British tennis given a boost as the LTA agrees a new partnership with Dunlop
Britain’s Lawn Tennis Association are reaching the end of one of their more challenging years on a high after confirming Dunlop will become its Official Tennis & Padel Equipment Partner from January 2021.
LTA chiefs confirmed the black hole in the finances for this year earlier this month, with the organisation’s incoming dropping by 40% in a year that saw the cancellation of Wimbledon for the first time since the World War II.
The LTA’s finances were severely hit by the cancellation of the entire summer of tennis, with the lucrative ATP Tour event at Queen’s Club among the casualties of a summer that saw all grass-court tournaments in England cancelled.
Now they are looking to the future and the deal with Dunlop will see the British sports equipment brand become the official stringing service for players at the LTA’s programme of summer major events.
As Official Tennis & Padel Equipment Partner, Dunlop will be granted branding rights at the tournaments as well as at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. The brand will also host retail and fan experience activity at the summer events and Padel tournaments.
Other terms of the deal include rights to design, produce and sell tennis hardware products bearing the LTA and Partner mark. Dunlop will replace existing Official Tennis Equipment Partner, Babolat.
The news follows the LTA’s announcement earlier this month of a five-year partnership with AMC, the brand created by Andy Murray and Castore, which will become its Official Performance Apparel Partner from 1 January 2021.
Both deals form part of the LTA’s commercial strategy to create value across every aspect of tennis, through development of strategic partnerships with high profile brands.
“This is another exciting partnership and we’re looking forward to working with Dunlop – an organisation that shares our vision to open up tennis – over the next three years,” said LTA CEO Scott Lloyd.
“Following the long-term AMC apparel deal we announced earlier this month, this is another example of British tennis’ appeal to high profile brands that produce quality products, and demonstrates how we are further enhancing our commercial programme to support tennis and padel in Britain.”
Jamie Murray has played with Dunlop rackets throughout his Grand Slam winning career and he welcomed the tie-in with the LTA as he stated: “Having top-quality equipment is vital for any professional tennis player and Dunlop rackets have always served me well throughout my career.
“This looks like a great partnership and I’m sure Dunlop will provide a great service to the LTA and Tennis in Britain over the next three years.”
A new range of Dunlop rackets will be available early in 2021, so check out Tennis365 for all the latest news when they hit the shops.
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
Tennis News
Aryna Sabalenka’s boyfriend Konstantin Koltsov dies as club confirms tragic news
Our thoughts go out to Aryna Sabalenka.
-
WTA Tour
Emma Raducanu suffers huge injury setback on the eve of Miami Open
Raducanu forced to make a tough decision ahead of WTA 1000 tournament in Miami.
-
Tennis News
Carlos Alcaraz hailed for ‘chasing Rafael Nadal’ by pundits as injury concern highlighted
“It adds to the quality of Alcaraz that he can play at this level at the age of 20.”
-
Tennis News
Miami Open draw: Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner learn their fate as Andy Murray gets enticing opener
Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Daniil Medvedev and co. have learned their draws for 2024 Miami Open.
-
Tennis News
Tim Henman gives his verdict on Novak Djokovic’s ‘revealing’ Miami Open withdrawal
“It probably does lead a little bit more to speculation when you’re talking about your professional and personal life.”
-
Tennis News
Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer compared to Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi by legendary coach
“Rafa can do the same thing that Federer does, while Cristiano cannot do what Messi does.”
-
Tennis News
Martina Navratilova makes Novak Djokovic ‘doubt’ claim as she highlights age factor
“What happens when you get older is the bad days are worse. You have to have it (doubt) no matter what.”
-
WTA Tour
WTA Rankings: Dominant Iga Swiatek practically assured of big feat ahead of Roland Garros
This way for your post-Indian Wells WTA Rankings.
-
Tennis News
Andy Murray makes retirement uncertainty confession as he also opens up about one of his toughest losses
“I would want to be there by right,” says Andy Murray.
-
ATP Tour
ATP Rankings: Novak Djokovic 7.997 years at No 1, Carlos Alcaraz holds off Jannik Sinner, Luca Nardi +27
This way for your latest ATP Rankings.