Israel Tennis Association chairman Dr. Ian Froman announced that he will not seek re-election at the end of his term, which will end in early 2006. Fr
By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israel Tennis Association chairman Dr. Ian Froman announced that he will not seek re-election at the end of his term, which will end in early 2006. Froman has served as chairman since February 2004.
The former Israel Prize winner made his decision known at an ITA meeting Friday.
"I've been involved in tennis since I was a child in various positions and now, at age 68, I feel it's time to let the next generation take over and develop the sport in Israel," Froman said in a statement. "I believe that my replacement will be able to bring [Israeli] tennis to new heights because there is a strong foundation.
"I had the honor to see the results in the past two years of our women players, Anna Smashnova, Shahar Pe'er and Tzipi Obziler, and also of our Davis Cup team. I also see that there are young players with talent and drive.
"One of the most important things for me is to see that a home for the Federation is built. A complex with offices, clay courts and a 3,000-seat, modern stadium that can host national and international tournaments and will be accessible for both handicapped players and fans."
Froman is a former Davis Cup player, who was among the founders of the Israel Tennis Center in 1976. During his candidacy as ITA chair, women's tennis has received a massive boost, first with the addition of a pair of $25,000 International Tennis Federation events the Freddie Krivine Open in November '04 and the first Anda Open this past June. Froman then convinced businessman Henri Zimand the sponsor of women's basketball team Anda Ramat Hasharon and the man that backed the $25,000 Anda Open to spend nearly $300,000 and turn the tourney into a $140,000 WTA Tour Tier IV event.
Froman plans to remain active in the organization of the tournament and in convincing big name players to participate.