Tennis
Former British Tennis Star Takes on TD Role at London WTA 500 Event
2024-11-26
The former British No. 1, Laura Robson, has been appointed as the Tournament Director of the highly anticipated new Women’s WTA 500 event at The Queen’s Club in London. This significant appointment marks a major milestone as it brings women’s tour level tennis back to the city after a gap of over 50 years. Laura, an Olympic Silver medalist, brings with her a wealth of experience and expertise from her previous role as Tournament Director of the Nottingham Open WTA 250 / ATP Challenger Event. Her appointment in 2023 is part of the LTA’s initiative to involve former players in different tennis roles after their retirement.
Witness the Return of Women's Tennis Glory at The Queen's Club
Laura's Journey and Previous Achievements
Laura Robson's career has been nothing short of remarkable. As a former British No. 1, she has left an indelible mark on the tennis world. Her Olympic Silver medal win is a testament to her exceptional skills and determination. Her previous role as Tournament Director at the Nottingham Open showcased her ability to manage and organize events with precision. This experience has now paved the way for her to take on the challenging role at The Queen’s Club.The fact that over 70% of the LTA’s grass-court major events will have female Tournament Directors is a significant achievement. Amy Hitchinson's selection as the new Tournament Director at Nottingham, following Laura's appointment, further emphasizes the LTA's commitment to gender equality in tennis. Rebecca James, Rik Smith, and Kirsty Thomson will continue to play crucial roles in different LTA events, ensuring the smooth running of the tennis calendar.The Excitement of the WTA 500 Event at The Queen's Club
The hospitality packages for the Women’s WTA 500 event at The Queen’s Club are now on sale, offering fans an opportunity to experience the thrill of live tennis in an exclusive setting. Purchasing hospitality packages via the LTA’s partner Keith Prowse at www.keithprowse.co.uk allows fans to enjoy a premium viewing experience. General admission tickets for the women’s event will go on sale early in 2025, generating even more excitement among tennis enthusiasts.For LTA Advantage Members, tickets for the ATP 500 event at The Queen’s Club are already on sale through the LTA website. The general sale for these tickets will take place on Nov. 28, 2024, adding to the buzz around the tennis events in London.Laura Robson expressed her delight at taking up this role next summer. She emphasized the significance of women's tennis returning to The Queen’s Club after such a long time. The venue is an iconic one and has been recognized for its excellence, having been voted Tournament of the Year by the men on multiple occasions. Laura is confident that the women’s event will be just as thrilling as the men's and is eager to get started.Chris Pollard, the LTA’s Managing Director, Commercial and Operations, praised Laura's work at Nottingham and her appointment at The Queen’s Club. He highlighted the LTA's efforts to utilize the knowledge and experience of former British players like Laura and Jamie Murray to benefit the game in the country. Their involvement is seen as crucial in shaping the future of tennis in Britain.In conclusion, the appointment of Laura Robson as Tournament Director at the London WTA 500 event is a significant development that will bring a new era of women's tennis to the city. With the support of the LTA and the enthusiasm of fans, this event is set to be a memorable one.