Dear Tennis Friends,
I would like to wish you a very peaceful holiday season at the end of what has been an exhausting, challenging and unprecedented year.
I would also like to acknowledge the extraordinary efforts made by everyone in the European tennis community during the past nine months to ensure that play can continue safely and responsibly wherever possible. I know from my own experiences here in the Czech Republic – and from talking to many of you – that the toll of these efforts and the ongoing uncertainties cannot be underestimated.
As I pledged during my election campaign, I intend to serve as a President on behalf of all European nations, and for Europe as a whole. Because while we are a diverse region, I believe that we have common and unified interests. We may compete against each on the court, but off court we must work together, in the name of this sport that we love.
We are facing a battle for the survival and continued success of our sport and as leaders we must all be fully committed to this cause. Unity within the European tennis family is more important than ever, as we seek to safeguard the futures of our players of all ages, our officials, coaches, clubs, and the national associations themselves.
My plan for the coming weeks is to prepare, in consultation with the Board, the office, and leading experts, a robust Strategic Programme for Tennis Europe for the next 3 years. I am currently in discussions with some of the top names in international tennis, who will be invited to join my Presidential Advisory Board/Group, providing an injection of both expertise and exposure.
I will personally focus on the financial stability of our federation. I pledge to continue and to extend the President’s Fund. Over the past 18 months, this scheme has brought immediate financial relief to most national tennis associations, and I am acutely aware that it is needed now more than ever.
I am honoured to work alongside such a diverse Board of Management, whose expertise and experience will be an asset in the three years ahead. I am particularly pleased that the Board has equal gender representation for the first time.
I want to thank the new Vice-Presidents – Luisanna Fodde, Christiane Jolissaint and Spyros Zannias – for their trust and fairness towards me and my vision. We all respect the democratic principles and responsibilities entrusted to us by our member nations and we will continue to serve you with energy and passion.
I am also pleased to inform you that at our most recent meeting earlier this month, the Board approved some other key appointments. David Rawlinson will continue his excellent work as Honorary Treasurer, and I congratulate our new Committee Chairs:
- Razvan Itu (Juniors Committee)
- Nikolina Babic (Professional Tennis Committee)
- Christiane Jolissaint (Development Committee)
- Spyros Zannias (Senior Tennis Committee)
- Luisanna Fodde (Padel Tennis Task Force)
Ending this message as I began, I wish you a safe and healthy festive season and a very prosperous New Year. I believe that 2021 will be a year of growth and recovery and I look forward to updating you further on our progress very soon.
With warm regards,
Ivo Kaderka
President, Tennis Europe