LTA chief Draper extends deal 11/12/2008
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Roger Draper has signed a new five-year contract to continue as chief executive of the Lawn Tennis Association.
Formerly chief executive of Sport England, Draper has introduced a series of radical reforms since taking over the role in April 2006.
"We've always said that transforming British tennis is a work in progress," he told Radio 5 Live on Wednesday.
"It's really a seven to 10-year plan and I didn't want to walk away after just two years."
He added: "The most important thing is to continue with plans to keep making steps forward for the long-term [future of British tennis]."
Draper has widely overhauled the LTA's business practice, making the organisation more commercially-focused.
In September, it secured a £25m agreement with financial services provider Aegon which will be used to boost all aspects of British tennis - such as improving courts in parks and schools, along with funding junior development and training players.
Though the LTA is one of the world's wealthiest governing bodies, Draper insists it will never have enough money to achieve its ultimate goals.
Draper is also regarded to have set in motion the changes which enabled Andy Murray to be the best funded player in British tennis history.
As a result, the 21-year-old Scot has risen in the world rankings from down in the 70s to world number four while Draper has been in charge.
Meanwhile the All England Club and the LTA have agreed a new deal to do with the Wimbledon surplus.
Once the current agreement runs out in August 2013 the LTA will receive 90% of the financial surplus from each year's Wimbledon until at least 2053.
In return the LTA will sell its 50% share of the company which owns the Wimbledon site and facilities.
LTA president Stuart Smith said: "This agreement is fantastic news for all involved in British tennis."
(Source: BBC Sport)
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