LTA Appoints Cathie Sabin as its First Female President

The Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) has appointed its first female president with the promotion of Cathie Sabin.

The vice-president stepped up to replace outgoing figurehead Peter Bretherton, at the LTA’s annual general meeting at the Roehampton National Tennis Centre in London on Wednesday.

Stepping down after his three-year term of office, Bretherton also said the LTA is indebted to former chief executive Roger Draper.

Draper came under fire when his £640,000 salary was revealed in the 2012 annual financial report.

He stepped down from his role in September and will be replaced by head of Tennis Canada Michael Downey in January.

Backing new president Sabin to shine, Bretherton said: “Cathie’s qualities, knowhow and experience make her eminently qualified for this role.

“And with her at the helm for the next three years, British tennis is in good hands.”

New LTA figurehead Sabin pledged to keep pushing to improve participation levels in the sport across all levels.

Addressing the AGM, Sabin said: “I am really looking forward to working with you all and coming out around the regions to visit your teams.

“Thank you so much, and I would also like to thank Peter for his support and guidance over the last three years.”

Bretherton’s last word before relinquishing his presidency was to launch a defence of departed chief executive Draper.

Bretherton said: “During his watch the organisation was transformed. He introduced the British tennis membership scheme, and was instrumental in the professionalisation of the talent identification scheme.

“British tennis owes Roger an enormous debt of gratitude.”