‘Retractable roof in next four years’
PARIS In just three months into his job as head of French Tennis Federation (FFT) Bernard Giudicelli has already had to negotiate tough decisions.
First was denying two-time French open champion Maria Sharapova a wildcard. Now, as an effort to distance himself and the association from the controversial statements of former player Ilie Nastase, who had racially abused Serena Williams’ unborn child, he said that the FFT has not extended any invite to him.
Giudicelli is trying to focus on the major changes he wants to bring both in infrastructure and policies so as to help promote the game and especially clay courts around the world.
With Paris still in the running for the 2024 Olympics along with Los Angeles, Giudicelli said that the priority will be to get a roof over centre court.
“We have four years to achieve it. We will be to get a retractable roof which will be amazing for the game and the stadium. We will host not only tennis but also boxing event and are in meeting with the Olympic committee so that we have a simple roof at place for the boxing arena,” Giudicelli said.
With FFT involving itself more and more in promotion of clay court events, Giudicelli also revealed the plans to help and assist nations whose junior players are doing well.
NEW INITIATIVE
Based on the results of the junior French Open, and how many players from one nation qualify or go on to win the title, a ranking will be calculated for both boys and girls.
The winning nation stands to receive 1 million euros as a prize distributed equally among boys’ and girls’ sections.
“We are going to start with a new trophy which is PhilippeChatrier Trophy to award the nations who are doing good at junior level.
“The Grand Slam nations have to be very careful about the economic model and help nations to involve and get the players in the international level,” he said.
Giudicelli also ruled out any possibility of having a fifth grand slam event based in Asia.
“No, you know Grand Slam has a history. We cannot say that Asia can have a Grand Slam. There are only four. But I think we can have Asian countries promote events. There are already significant events in Asia,” he said.