Federer Hoping For ATP CEO Choice Soon

Written by: Staff on 10th November 2011

Federer Hoping For ATP CEO Choice Soon |

With the late-December deadline to have a new ATP supremo signed and sealed fast approaching, Roger Federer is hoping that the decision can come sooner rather than later. The Swiss believes that whomever is chosen, a tennis insider would be much more suitable.

“I hope they find a good CEO, because we were very happy with Adam Helfant,” said the Swiss. “It’s been a good last three years, and it’s been really good for tennis.

“We’re on a high right now. There’s no reason to panic and rush into a CEO decision. But it’s definitely important that we are all happy with the choices: tournaments, players, board members, council members. It’s an important role for tennis, I think.”

The sanctioning body was forced to start the executive search at mid-year when current CEO Helfant reportedly made financial demands which the ATP could not meet. So the search was on, with the former clothing company lawyer saying he would step down at the end of his contract at the end of this year.

With insiders now given the edge after flirtations with others from outside the organization, best guesses are coming down to Asia ATP supremo Brad Drewett, who has spearheaded the successful push into the Chinese market. Also said to be on the short-list is Florida ATP lawyer Mark Young, the consummate office-bound insider.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into it, especially for someone coming from the outside who has not been into tennis,” said Federer. “If you take someone out of tennis, that’s (train them in the ways of the sport) something you don’t have to do. So it’s always tricky, as well.”

“DAILY TENNIS NEWS WIRE”

Topics: Roger Federer