The president of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has received a big boost ahead of his election on Friday after the governing body of British tennis endorsed him for a second term.
David Haggerty is facing opposition from three other candidates as he bid to keep hold of his current position, which he has held since September 2015. The American has managed to help boost the financial side of the organisation during his tenure. However, he has been criticised for a series of controversies.
Haggerty was one of the key people behind the revamp of the Davis Cup, which has split opinion in the sport. Critics have said that the changes are too radical and kills the tradition of the 119-year-old competition. From this year 18 teams will compete in a week-long final held in a neutral location. The key backers of the changes are investment company Kosmos, which was founded by Gerald Pique. Another controversy was the implementation and subsequent removal of the ITF transition Tour within a year following mass protest by players who said they were worse off.
“We are deeply concerned about the governance of the sport, the role of the ITF in that and a number of recent decisions.” The LTA said in a statement published by metro.co.uk.
“The LTA Board had lengthy discussions about the forthcoming ITF Presidential vote and we do not believe that now is the right time for a radical change in regime.
“We will, however be holding whichever candidate becomes President of the ITF to account on a number of areas.”
The support from the British contingent is one that some find baffling. Given the fact they have voiced concerns about the governance of the ITF and still backs its leader. They were also one of the most notable tennis bodies to not back changes to the Davis Cup in a key ITF vote.
How the LTA votes on Friday is crucial for all candidates. They are one of the five nations that has a total of 12 votes allocated to them. Along with America, Australia, France and Germany. It is expected the America will also back Haggerty given that he is from the country.
The biggest threat to Haggerty’s reign is Ireland’s Dave Miley. Whose presidential campaign has reportedly seen him to visit 70 countries. Miley was a vocal critic of the Transition Tour and reform of the ITF.
“I believe tennis is very fragmented at the moment and is not very healthy. The ITF has a perception that it is quite weak and I want to change that.” Miley said during the launch of his candidacy earlier this year.
“My manifesto is underpinned by two things. What’s good for tennis and what is good for the nations of the ITF.”
The 2019 ITF presidential election will take place on Friday. Also entered in the race is Anil Khanna (India) Ivo Kaderka (Czech Republic). Candidates require more than 50% of the vote to be elected.
