Rate it!

1 votes

Long-serving Tennis Australia president Geoff Pollard beat off a challenge to remain in charge of the sport for another 12 months, dismaying Australia's leading player Lleyton Hewitt.

Pollard, 65, who has been TA president since 1989, beat former Australian Open tournament director Paul McNamee in a secret ballot of the governing body's state and territory delegates, the organisation said.

McNamee's bid had the support of two-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one Hewitt, who called for an immediate change in the administration of the sport in Australia.

"Lleyton's disappointed with the decision because he felt it was the ideal time for change," his manager, David Drysdale, said.

"He hopes the decision has been made for all the right reasons which is for the betterment of Australian tennis, not due to little deals done with the states (who hold voting rights).

"Lleyton hopes Tennis Australia will be aware there'll be a lot more people watching what's going on there over the next 12 months."

Hewitt had earlier written on his website that McNamee was "definitely passionate, energetic, has business nous, a known profile and will be strong where needed to question and oversee the administration of the game."

Critics have called Pollard's presidency "unimaginative and unfulfilling" with the organisation losing money and just two men and two women in the world top 100 rankings, while Australia remains out of the world group in the Davis Cup.

After the announcement of the vote, Pollard confirmed he would step down from the job in a year's time.

"I'm planning a smooth transition where everyone can put their name forward and have a look at it for next year," Pollard told reporters.

"I've made it quite clear we've got to go ahead with this transition (in leadership) and do it properly."

Pollard said his main focus over the ensuing 12 months was to finalise details for the redevelopment of Melbourne Park - the home of the Australian Open.

McNamee congratulated Pollard on his re-election, but said in a statement: "I do believe that Australia needs to rebuild its status as a great tennis nation and, in order to do this, there are many ongoing issues that must be addressed.

"I will continue to play my part in helping our great game."

AFP