The ITF announced the appointments of Rennae Stubbs of Australia and Andre Sa of Brazil as ITF player relations consultants. Their role, as part of a new Player Relations department in the ITF, will be to strengthen the ITF’s ties with players, coaches, agents, the tours and tournament organisers.

Stubbs and Sa are both highly respected players who have enjoyed long and successful careers on court and will bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to their new positions. They will act as    on-site representatives and the ITF’s point of contact for players on tour.

Enhancing relations with players is a priority of ITF President David Haggerty in line with the ITF2024 strategic roadmap. France’s Mary Pierce and Australia’s Mark Woodforde have served as athlete members on the ITF Board of Directors since 2015 and are also co-chairs of the ITF Athletes Commission.

ITF President David Haggerty said: “The views of the players are very important to us, and Rennae Stubbs and Andre Sa will ensure a continuous line of two-way communication between players and the ITF. With the creation of a Player Relations department and the appointments of Rennae and Andre, we will be in a much stronger position to share our vision with the players and to hear their views on the future of our sport.

“Rennae and Andre are ideal choices to serve as ITF player relations consultants. Both have excelled in their tennis careers and both have the respect of their peers. They will be our eyes and ears on the tour and provide invaluable feedback that will help the ITF enhance Davis Cup and Fed Cup by BNP Paribas, Olympic Games and other ITF events.”

Rennae Stubbs said: “I am excited to embark on this important role with the ITF. I played 20 years on the tour and have a deep understanding of the issues that are most important to the players. I embrace the opportunity to develop a strong line of communication between the ITF and the players. One of the highlights of my career was representing my country in Fed Cup competition, something which I did 40 times. I welcome the chance to help the Fed Cup continue to flourish and grow stronger.”

Andre Sa said: “I can’t wait to begin this new opportunity. My experience as a member of the ATP Player Council has given me insights into the workings of the sport and the feelings of the players on major issues. I look forward to bringing the ITF and the players closer together. Representing Brazil in Davis Cup was something I always felt passionately about, and I am keen to help the ITF and the players make the competition thrive.”

Stubbs, 46, won 60 doubles titles during her career and is a former No. 1 ranked player in doubles. The Sydney native won four Grand Slam doubles titles (2000 Australian Open; 2001, 2004 Wimbledon; 2001 US Open) and two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles (2000 Australian Open; 2001 US Open). Stubbs played in 40 Fed Cup ties for Australia, helping the team reach the 1993 World Group Final and compiling a win-loss record of 28-10 in Fed Cup doubles rubbers. Stubbs was also a member of four Australian Olympic teams. Since retiring in 2011, she has become a successful television commentator.

Sa, 40, won 11 tour doubles titles and achieved a career high doubles ranking of No. 17 in 2009. He reached the Wimbledon singles quarterfinals in 2002 and attained a career high singles ranking of  No. 55 that year. Sa played in 18 Davis Cup ties for Brazil, compiling an overall win-loss record of   14-10, and was part of the team which reached the World Group semifinals in 2000. He played in four Olympic Games and is a former member of ATP Player Council. Sa plans to finish his playing career at the ATP event in Sao Paolo later this month. He is currently coaching fellow Brazilian Thomaz Bellucci.