Wimbledon will be run by two women for the first time ever after Debbie Jevans was appointed vice-chair of the All England Lawn Tennis Club.

The British former tennis player has initially been named vice-chair, but will take over the chair role from incumbent Ian Hewitt after this year’s Wimbledon. 

With Sally Bolton already chief executive of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, two women will be at the helm of the organisation for the first time in history.

Jevans’s appointment was made after she edged out rival Kevin Havelock in a committee meeting vote this week. 

“Debbie has a valuable combination of skills and experience gained over a long career in sport,” said Hewitt.

“Both as a former professional tennis player and through a number of leadership roles within high-profile sports organisations as well as her many years of service on the club committee. 

“This equips her well for the role and I look forward, as planned, to handing over as chair after the Championships 2023.”

Who is Debbie Jevans?

Debbie Jevans speaking at the Host Cities Summit

DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 18: Debbie Jevans CBE, Former CEO of England Rugby 2015 and Director of Sport, London2012 and Director Debbie Jevans and Associates speaks during day one of Host Cities Summit at the Fairmont Hotel on November 18, 2015 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

Jevans’s professional tennis career ran from 1976 to 1983. She had won Wimbledon as a junior, but was unable to translate this into senior success. 

Her best Grand Slam result was the Wimbledon fourth round in 1978, losing to fifth seed Virginia Wade. 

After retiring, Jevans became involved in sports governance, holding roles with the International Tennis Federation. In 2003, she was appointed the director of sports for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

In 2014, Jevans topped the Guardian’s list of the 50 most influential women in British sport. 

What challenges does Debbie Jevans face at Wimbledon?

Debbie Jevans speaking at a World Rugby Conference

DUBLIN, IRELAND - NOVEMBER 18: Debbie Jevans CBE, Chief Executive, England Rugby 2015 speaks at the iRB World Rugby Conference and Exhibition at the Ballsbridge Hotel on November 18, 2013 in Dublin, Ireland. (Photo by Patrick Bolger/Getty Images for iRB)

It’s been a difficult period for the All England Lawn Tennis Club, with the COVID-19 pandemic forcing the cancellation of Wimbledon in 2020, and a reduced attendance in 2021. 

Last year’s tournament was stripped of its ranking points after the Lawn Tennis Association decided to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing following the invasion of Ukraine. 

It is not yet known whether the ban will continue this year, but the Guardian has reported that the LTA has been threatened with expulsion from the ATP Tour if it does stay in place.

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