In an interview with Dagens industri, Christer Gardell talks about his plans and points out that "we do not understand how one can refuse this". For TT, Gardell simultaneously develops his criticism of the current management: "The association has worked too narrowly, which has meant that we lack breadth in Swedish tennis. Narrow selections have been made at the age of 14-15 when no one knows who will bloom as a senior player".
Gardell/Rosberg intends to invest private capital, in return, they want to get a five-point program through, where they have taken inspiration from Italy with world number one Jannik Sinner.
Gardell himself does not intend to take over as chairman but sees Ulf Rosberg, who is chairman of the Djursholms tennis club, "as an excellent candidate".
Meeting on Friday
A request has now been sent to the association's seven regional boards to attend a meeting on Friday in Stockholm, where the plan will be presented in more detail.
TT has been in contact with several of the affected regions, which confirm that they have received the request. They will hold a joint meeting later on Monday evening.
Jan Trolle, vice chairman of region Öst, confirms that they have already decided to send representatives to Stockholm.
We are interested, I know that Christer is very interested in tennis and committed. It would be unwise not to listen, he says.
How do you view the counter-demand that the board should make their seats available?
— I have nothing to say about that. We will listen to what they have to come with.
Pär Svärdfeldt, chairman of region Nord, does not want to take an immediate stance:
I have been fairly neutral. I want to know more before we can take a stand, but this is about player development and the lack of success. You don't see any Swedes on TV, simply put.
Something needs to be done
Both Pär Svärdfeldt and Jan Trolle agree that something needs to be done in Swedish tennis.
— My personal opinion is that development is going very slowly, and above all, to produce elite players. Since 2010, I have called for a common thread from club, region to association to produce better elite players. We have nothing, says Jan Trolle.
I work as a biathlon coach at the sports gymnasium and I notice big differences. It's actually the association that needs to put its foot down, says Pär Svärdfeldt.
In order for the proposal to be accepted, the regional managers must vote yes at the association's meeting in April.
We have no personal gain in this. If the clubs do not want to accept our proposal, my money will go to other sports, says Christer Gardell to Di.
TT has sought the association's chairman Åsa Hedin.
1. Create a structure for player development.
Special resources will be hired to build a framework for talent development, in collaboration with the regions. They will also collect data from players regarding, for example, technique, physics, and strength.
2. Strengthen the clubs.
Clubs in metropolitan areas will be graded to raise the standard. More support to clubs in the countryside to attract more people to tennis.
3. More camps and international competition trips.
A larger number of players will be given the opportunity to avoid missing out on talents.
4. More competitions at home.
The association will be responsible for a number of different international competitions.
5. Financial support into professional life.
Customized solutions, for example, for players who return to Sweden after playing college in the USA.
Source: Dagens industri.
