LONDON (TICKER) —Former Nike executive Adam Helfant on Monday was named the new executive chairman and president of the Association of Tennis Professionals.
The 44-year-old American succeeds Etienne de Villiers, who announced last April that he would not renew his contract with the ATP after heading the governing body of men’s tennis for more than three years.
“There is no doubt that men’s professional tennis is one of the world’s most popular sports and, as a lifelong fan, it is a great honor to have been given the opportunity to take the helm at such an exciting time for the ATP,” said Helfant, who also spent three years as a lawyer with the National Hockey League.
While de Villiers oversaw extensive modifications to ATP Tour during his time in charge - including instant replay and increased prize money - his penchant for aggressive changes caused him to grow increasingly unpopular with players and certain event organizers.
Before de Villiers announced his decision to step aside, some of the world’s top players - including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - reportedly had gone as far as to organize a petition, asking the ATP board to forego contract negotiations with him.
The 44-year-old American succeeds Etienne de Villiers, who announced last April that he would not renew his contract with the ATP after heading the governing body of men’s tennis for more than three years.
“There is no doubt that men’s professional tennis is one of the world’s most popular sports and, as a lifelong fan, it is a great honor to have been given the opportunity to take the helm at such an exciting time for the ATP,” said Helfant, who also spent three years as a lawyer with the National Hockey League.
While de Villiers oversaw extensive modifications to ATP Tour during his time in charge - including instant replay and increased prize money - his penchant for aggressive changes caused him to grow increasingly unpopular with players and certain event organizers.
Before de Villiers announced his decision to step aside, some of the world’s top players - including Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal - reportedly had gone as far as to organize a petition, asking the ATP board to forego contract negotiations with him.
