The National Tennis Centre played host to the Tennis Blacklist last Thursday night, with people from across the tennis community recognised for their inspiring achievements in the sport.
The inaugural Tennis Black List – supported by the LTA, Sporting Equals, Stats Perform and YC Sports launched at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton in London on 29 June 2023.
Founded in 2023 by Richard Sackey-Addo and sports broadcaster Anne-Marie Batson, the Tennis Blacklist celebrates tennis role models from the black community including recognising the contribution of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.
The Tennis Black List follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List which have demonstrated the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.
The event was also an opportunity to recognise those who have taken the initiative to excel and show their commitment to success both within and beyond tennis.
Awards were handed out in eight categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the National Tennis Centre on Thursday night.
Arum Akom and Dominic Smith were winners of the Game Changer in the Community Award, which honours individuals who are doing incredible grassroots work in their tennis community or region.
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Akom said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic opportunity to be recognised for this achievement. It’s always good to know that you’re putting in such hard work, and that people see what you’re doing.”
Eurosport commentator Yasmin Clarke and Guardian writer Tumaini Caroyal were recognised with the Media Award which saw journalism, broadcast, audio, digital and written excellence celebrated, regardless of medium.
Ranah Stoiber and Matthias Ruggles were recipients of the Rising Star Award, which aims to champion and showcase new player talent in the UK and internationally for those under the age of 25.
Ruggles said: “I’m absolutely honoured. I’ve always wanted to come to the National Tennis Centre and the fact I’ve also won an award is levels above that. It’s just such an amazing opportunity to be here.”
There were four recipients of the Coaching and Performance Award, with Miles Daley, Mekaya Gittens, Shola Roper and Zack Evenden all recognised for their achievements in the world of training and coaching.
Gittens commented: “I’m amazed to be one of the nominees and one of the winners. To hear from everyone else about what they are doing is brilliant. The diverse skillset that everyone has, it’s just great to see that.”
Current British stars Heather Watson and Paul Jubb were recognised by receiving the Players Award, in recognition of their contributions both on and off the tennis court.
Jubb said: “For me, it’s always nice to be recognised for any award. I’m very privileged to be here and recognised for good things. It’s always nice to meet people who have come from different backgrounds and have had success.”
The Administration Award was awarded to ATP Tour Player Development Director Erika Kegler and LTA Performance Director Michael Bourne.
Bourne added: “I think it’s a great initiative to have the Tennis Black List. I think it’s really important that events like this can bring to life the black community in a sport such as tennis.”
Elsewhere, seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams was the first recipient of the Icon Award, in recognition of her trailblazing career both on and off court.
The International Trailblazer Award, given to the person or persons whose leadership has made an extraordinary impact on tennis, was awarded to Katrina Adams, Vice President of the ITF Board of Directors and former President of the USTA.
Winners and supporters come together to applaud Tennis Black List launch at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton @tennisblacklist
