Hull ace Paul Jubb recognised by Tennis Black List

By Oli Dickson Jefford, Sportsbeat

Hull tennis star Paul Jubb was among those recognised by the Tennis Black List at its launch at the National Tennis Centre on Thursday night.

The inaugural Tennis Black List – supported by the LTA, Sporting Equals, Stats Perform and YC Sports launched at the National Tennis Centre, Roehampton in London on 29 June.

Founded in 2023 by Richard Sackey-Addo and sports broadcaster Anne-Marie Batson, the Tennis Black List celebrates tennis role models from the black community including recognising the contribution of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

The Tennis Black List follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List which have demonstrated the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

The event was also an opportunity to recognise those who have taken the initiative to excel and show their commitment to success both within and beyond tennis.

Alongside Heather Watson, Jubb, 23, was a recipient of the Players Award, in recognition of their contributions both on and off the tennis court.

Jubb burst onto the tennis scene in 2019, winning the prestigious NCAA Singles Championship whilst at South Carolina University.

And after winning five ITF single titles in his first full season as a professional, in 2022 he became the first British player to win an ATP Challenger on a clay court since James Ward in 2009.

“For me, it’s always nice to be recognised for any award. I’m very privileged to be here and be recognised for doing good things,” he said.

“It makes me happy. I’m just trying to be the best I can be, and if that reflects on others that makes me even happier and makes me smile. I only want to have a positive impact.”

The Tennis Black List has an emphasis on recognising achievement from elite level all the way through to the community and grassroots game, something the LTA is passionate in supporting.

Jubb added: “Meeting people who have come from different backgrounds and had success, it’s always nice to converse with those people and learn different things, about what they’ve taken from their lives and their careers. I think getting together with events like this are hugely beneficial.

“Things have gotten a lot better over the years. Everything is moving forward in a positive direction.”

Winners and supporters come together to applaud Tennis Black List launch at the LTA’s National Tennis Centre in Roehampton @tennisblacklist