Debbie Jevans in line to become first female Wimbledon chair

Wimbledon could have its first female chair next year, with Debbie Jevans the current frontrunner for what is probably tennis’s most prestigious post.

The 62-year-old former player was director of sports for London 2012 and later headed up the 2015 Rugby World Cup, as well as having a period as interim chair of the English Football League.

Current incumbent Ian Hewitt’s four-year term comes to a close next summer, and he is not expected to stay on beyond that. The race to succeed him is said to be a straight head to head between Jevans and fellow All England Club board member Kevin Havelock.

The club is looking for a period of stability after a challenging two years. The 2020 tournament was cancelled because of Covid while this year’s event was overshadowed by the decision to ban Russian and Belarusian players from competing. Both the ATP and WTA Tours removed ranking points from the tournament.

There is also the ongoing row over expansion plans, with growing opposition from residents. A decision on the plans is expected to be reached by the end of the year.

The club has recently seen a number of high-profile departures. Communications director Alex Willis joined the Premier League, while estate director Robert Deatker and commercial director Gus Henderson also left.