In an interview with Dagens industri, Christer Gardell talks about the plans and says that he "does not understand how one can say no to this".
To TT, he elaborates on his reasoning:
"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."
"Alarming development"
The Swedish Tennis Association's (SvTF) chairman Åsa Hedin believes that the issue is larger than money. By conditioning their support with financial resources, a principled issue is raised, according to Hedin.
If you can condition influence with money today, it can happen in another sport tomorrow. This is a matter for the entire sports movement, not just tennis, she says.
The association is in contact with RF, whose secretary general Stefan Bergh welcomes Gardell and Rosberg's initiative, but believes that it is also an ideological issue.
"It would be an alarming development if the democratic process is so strongly influenced or even conditioned by a single commercial partnership," he writes.
To Dagens industri, Gardell says that he does not see this as an attack on association democracy.
We do not see this at all as a coup, but as a constructive proposal to make Swedish tennis competitive again. Many have already given us their support and think it's nice that something is finally happening, he says.
"Anchored and developed"
In addition to the demand for the board's resignation, five points were presented on how Swedish tennis should develop. According to Hedin, the association is already working on these issues.
The plan is in line with what we are already doing today. It is anchored and developed through a process we have had with regions and clubs over several years, she says.
Hedin states that she has tried to initiate a dialogue with Gardell and Rosberg about the future of Swedish tennis, without success.
I hope that one can raise the discussion. Not have it in the media, but sit down and jointly discuss how we should take Swedish tennis forward.
The Swedish Tennis Association has its annual meeting in April and will then vote on the matter.
1. Create a structure for player development.
Special resources will be hired to build a framework for talent development. This in collaboration with the regions. One will also collect data from the players regarding, for example, technique, physics, and strength.
2. Strengthen the clubs.
Clubs in metropolitan areas will be rated to raise the standard. More support to clubs in the countryside to attract more to tennis.
3. More camps and international competition trips.
A larger number of players will have the opportunity for international play to avoid risking missing out on talents.
4. More competitions at home.
The association will be responsible for a range 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.
