[Sri]

Sorry Richard Krajicek.

LONDON - Brad Drewett, former player and current ATP senior executive, has been named as the organisation’s new Executive Chairman and President, it was announced today. He begins his role on January 1, 2012, and will be based in the ATP's London office.

The 53-year-old Australian’s 3-year appointment was voted unanimously by the ATP Board of Directors with Drewett considered to be ideally qualified to take on the multi-faceted role with his extensive experience at the ATP. Drewett currently serves as CEO of the ATP International Group, where he has overseen operations in the Middle East, Asia and Pacific regions since 1999. Prior to that, Drewett served as an elected member of the Player Council and an ATP Player Board Representative (1993-1999). He has also been Tournament Director of the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals and formerly the Tennis Masters Cup since 2001, and has been instrumental in the event’s tremendous success.

During his 12-year professional playing career, Drewett reached a career-high ranking of 34 in singles, winning two ATP World Tour titles, and represented Australia in Davis Cup competition. The Australian Open Junior champion (1975, 1977) reached the quarter-finals in his first Grand Slam in Melbourne in 1976.

“I am honoured to have this opportunity to lead the ATP, an organisation that I am proud to have been a part of since the beginning of my professional playing career,” Drewett said. “The ATP World Tour and men’s tennis are stronger than ever and it is my intention to continue to lead the organisation on this successful path, working hand in hand with our players and tournaments. I am very excited about the opportunities ahead.”

ATP Player Council President Roger Federer said, “Brad is a very experienced executive and has been an effective leader within the ATP for many years. He understands the global nature of the business as well as the complexities of dealing with all of the Tour's stakeholders. I am confident that Brad's work ethic and leadership will help contribute to the continued success of the ATP World Tour.”

ATP Board Representative Gavin Forbes said, “Brad has the perfect combination of proven business abilities and understanding of player and tournament perspectives to oversee the continued growth of the ATP World Tour. He has been an integral part of the Tour’s success over the last decade, and will be able to get straight to work in January thanks to his deep relationships within the sport.”

[Action Jackson]

Drewett should have got the job before. He has been around the ATP for ages, not a bad guy but I don't think he's really going to do much for the organisation.

Can't be worse than Helfant or Mr. Disney.

News announced via twitter.

[Sunset of Age]

Sounds like a decent choice.

[alter ego]

Does anyone have an idea of Drewett's plans? what's his views on doping controls, match fixing investigations, courts speed, balls? will he try to push the tournament directos to build roofs, will he try to bring more tournaments to Asia?

[Roamed]

Better than some uninvested rich guy, or Krajicek I reckon. Although apparently the ATP players wanted a European guy. Oh well!

[Looner]

Hopefully as an ex Aussie pro he'll bring some variety to the game ie faster courts.

[Smiling Buddha]

Ion Tiriac would be the much better option. I was always hoping to see blue grass and maybe blue hardwood surfaces introduced to the ATP tour.

[Sunset of Age]

Originally Posted by Smiling Buddha

Ion Tiriac would be the much better option. I was always hoping to see blue grass and maybe blue hardwood surfaces introduced to the ATP tour.

Might you perhaps be, what I suspect, a major troll?

[tribalfusion]

http://blogs.tennis.com/tennisworld/.../my-entry.html

[Smiling Buddha]

Originally Posted by Sunset of Age

Might you perhaps be, what I suspect, a major troll?

No I might not.

However, I do think that blue grass would be pretty fascinating.

Obviously it will not be used in Wimbledon because the ITF controls the slams but it would be interesting to see of used in Halle or S'Hertagonbosch.

[nobama]

Originally Posted by tribalfusion

http://blogs.tennis.com/tennisworld/.../my-entry.html

Surprise surprise Bozo shows up casting doubt on Drewett and the guy hasn't even started on the job yet. Yawn.

[Action Jackson]

Originally Posted by nobama

Surprise surprise Bozo shows up casting doubt on Drewett and the guy hasn't even started on the job yet. Yawn.

If Bozo is against it I'm for it.

[Sunset of Age]

Originally Posted by nobama

Surprise surprise Bozo shows up casting doubt on Drewett and the guy hasn't even started on the job yet. Yawn.

Originally Posted by Action Jackson

If Bozo is against it I'm for it.

Obvious. +1.

[Action Jackson]

Drewett has been the tournament director for the TMC.

[Chirag]

Originally Posted by Action Jackson

If Bozo is against it I'm for it.

this