Tennis Australia announces return to profit

Tennis Australia’s 2022 annual report has shown that it returned to profit in the past year - contrasting with losses experience in 2021.

With COVID-19 restrictions for this year’s Australian Open having been largely raised, Tennis Australia reported a surplus of $4.4 million - a massive turnaround after last year’s $75.2 million deficit.

Revenue was up 41.3% from $358 million in 2021 to $505.8 million this year, while expenses climbed 16.6% from $443.5 million to $517 million.

The figures, presented at this week’s Tennis Australia AGM, also showed that participation in the sport was up 14%, with adults showing a 20% increase, while 634,000 youngsters came through the Tennis Hot Shots introductory program.

The AGM also saw Tennis Australia Chair Jayne Hrdlicka re-elected for a third term.

Hrdlicka (pictured below), who will now head the sport until 2025,  was appointed to the Tennis Australia Board in 2016 and elected the organisation’s first female Chair in October 2017.

Commenting on her reappointment, Hrdlicka, the Chief Executive of Virgin Australia, stated “it is an absolute privilege to continue to lead our organisation as we work to deliver a powerful vision for our sport. The unity that we have shown over a tough couple of years across the sport has served us well and stems from our shared passionate purpose to grow grassroots tennis.”

Commenting on tennis’ achievements in the past year she added “this year we planted the seeds to ensure our participation growth during the pandemic continues well into the future. This growth in people playing tennis drives more engagement in the sport, drives more homegrown professionals and enables the Australian Open to grow from strength to strength.”

Board Directors Elizabeth Minogue and Graham Bradley AM were also returned

On the commercial side, Kia recently extended its sponsorship of the Australian Open and major partners Emirates, Luzhou Laojiao, Rolex, Ralph Lauren and Visit Victoria also renewed.

Meanwhile Tennis Australia has just announced a sponsorship extension with technology company, SafetyCulture.

SafetyCulture has supported the governing body since 2017 and serves to maintain courts, carry out general safety checks, assign contractors, and train over 300 ball-kids and stadium staff.