Melbourne, VIC, 5 March 2019 | tennis.com.au

Highly-respected former player André Sá will join the Tennis Australia team in a newly created role of Head of Player Liaison.

Regarded as one of the most popular players on tour, Sá has already proven himself in off-court leadership roles, including six years as player representative on the ATP Player Council and a player liaison role with the ITF.

The new role is designed to complement the strong relationships that already exist between Tennis Australia and the international tennis playing group.

Tennis Australia will roll out the biggest event program in its history next summer with the addition of the ATP Cup – a $22 million 10-day event played in three cities – and the new men’s and women’s event in Adelaide.

“One of the key drivers for our summer is to assess, meet and ideally even exceed the wants and needs of the playing group. It is an ethos that goes to the core of our company,” Tennis Australia CEO Craig Tiley said.

“We believe André is a terrific addition to the team who will add another facet to our ongoing communications with the players and the service that we aim to continually improve for the players – an important ambition any time, but even more vital in a time of substantial change for the Australian tennis summer.”

Said Sá: “I am looking forward to the challenge. TA is one of the most innovative and creative tennis organisations with a great leadership team and I couldn’t be happier to be part of it.”

Sá retired from his stellar playing career in February after 23 years on the tour. Some of his playing highlights include:

• 11 ATP doubles titles
• Four Olympic Games (2004, 2008, 2012, 2016)
• 12 years representing Brazil in Davis Cup
• Gold Medal in the Pan American games 1999
• career-high rankings of 55 (singles) and 17 (doubles)