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Last Updated: Thursday, 8 June 2006, 19:11 GMT 20:11 UK
LTA chief makes wildcard warning
LTA chief executive Roger Draper
Draper succeeded John Crowther as LTA boss in April
British players will only get Wimbledon wildcards if they are likely to win at least one round, new British tennis chief Roger Draper has warned.

"We want winners, not losers," said Draper, who took over as the new chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association in April.

"We won't be handing out wildcards to players unless they have a chance of winning a round or two."

Draper is to discuss the issue with LTA stand-in performance boss Jeremy Bates.

Draper, who has already made waves by sacking performance director David Felgate last month, has pledged to further shake up tennis in the UK.

We are going to reward achievement not mediocrity

LTA chief executive Roger Draper

"I want to get some clarity as to the role of the LTA, decide what we are going to stop doing and find a team to drive British tennis forward," he said.

"We have to put tennis back at the heart of the game and forget the politics and spinning."

Draper will announce new measures on 12 July, which will be the 100th day after his appointment, and will unveil further changes in mid-November when he clocks up 200 days in charge.

Offering incentives to coaches, clubs and players remains a priority, he added.

"We are going to reward achievement not mediocrity. Too many coaches, for instance, sit in their own bubble and think they know it all.

"We don't need gimmicks - we need good facilities and a good environment for the sport to grow."



SEE ALSO
Men's singles draw
26 May 06 |  Tennis
Women's singles draw
26 May 06 |  Tennis
French Open schedule
27 May 06 |  Tennis
French Open on the BBC
27 Apr 06 |  Tennis


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