Increasing calls for NZ Tennis Chiefs to quit

Top New Zealand tennis coaches are calling for the resignation of Tennis New Zealand Chief Executive Steve Walker.

There are mounting calls for Walker and national coaching director Peter McCraw to resign in the wake of another failed Davis Cup campaign.

It follows a stinging outburst from New Zealand tennis great Onny Parun and revelations several of the country's tennis regions are struggling financially.

SPARC Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin has publicly backed Walker but Auckland-based coach John McMahon says Tennis New Zealand is trying to be too controlling and does not leave it up to the player and the parents of the player and individual coaches to decide what is best for the player.

McMahon says if a player or coach is offside with Tennis New Zealand life can be very difficult and he has criticised the coaching methods employed by Tennis New Zealand and management of tours.

McMahon points out that concerns were raised by top coaches at a meeting in April and not long after, the national women's coach Peter Lumsden resigned. He does not know if it was a direct consequence of pressure being put on but says hopefully McCraw will soon be removed.

Image shows the Davis Cup.