American David Haggerty elected to head International Tennis Federation (ITF)
Friday 25 September 2015 21:20, UK
American David Haggerty has been elected as the president of the International Tennis Federation on a four-year term.
Haggerty, who is best known for running the Davis Cup and the women's Fed Cup, replaces Francesco Ricci Bitti of Italy who held the post for 16 years.
"It is a privilege and an honour to be elected president of the ITF. Tennis is the common language that binds all our member nations. It is important that we continue to listen to each other and work together to keep the ITF strong," Haggerty said following his election.
"I want to thank Francesco, who has done so much for the ITF over the last 16 years, for his leadership and friendship."
Meanwhile, Bitti feels Haggerty's appointment will strengthen the organisation over the next four years.
"I am confident that under David's leadership, the organisation can continue to grow with the support of the ITF staff and our 210 member nations," he said in a statement.
Haggerty has served as chairman, chief executive and president of the USTA during his time in tennis administration. He previously worked in the racquet industry, holding roles at Head, Penn and Dunlop.
He received 200 votes to 192 for Anil Khanna of India. Juan Margets of Spain and Rene Stambach of Switzerland were eliminated in the first round of voting at the meetings in Santiago, Chile.
