ATP Tour: Andrea Gaudenzi welcomed as new ATP chairman by top players

Former tennis ace Andrea Gaudenzi will succeed Chris Kermode as the chairman of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP). Kermode will be leaving his position at the end of this year. In early March, news emerged that Kermode’s contract as ATP chairman and President will not be renewed. According to British media reports, ATP Player Council President and World No.1 Novak Djokovic played a significant role in this decision.

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British media reports have stated that Gaudenzi was a unanimous choice of the ATP board of directors to take over as ATP chairman. Gaudenzi has won three ATP titles and achieved a career-high ranking of 18 before going on to study law and transitioning as a businessman.

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Djokovic welcomes appointment

Djokovic, who is being touted to be behind Kermode’s ouster, welcomed Gaudenzi’s appointment. The 16-time Grand Slam champion said that it was great that someone with a considerable amount of on-court experience was at the helm of ATP. He said that he would like to welcome Gaudenzi on behalf of the players.

The World No.1 went on to elaborate that as a former player, the new chairman has faced the situations that tennis players face on and off the court. Giving a nod to Gaudenzi’s business acumen, Djokovic said that his experience as a player and a businessman made him the perfect candidate to lead the ATP Tour. He expressed his desire to work closely with Gaudenzi for the benefit of the players and the sport.

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Meanwhile, Gaudenzi claimed that ATP had played a significant role in his life and that the opportunity to serve the Tour was a real honour. He said that he was eager to oversee the future of the Tour and in furthering the sport’s popularity.

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