Tennis world left mourning former ITF president Brian Tobin, who passed away at 93

The Perth-born administrator is often credited with restoring the Australian Open to its current glory. ITF president David Haggerty is among those to pay tribute to Tobin, who was ranked among the nation’s top 10 tennis players before turning to a career in finance and banking and then later leaving a lasting legacy in tennis as an administrator.

Brian Tobin was a great president of the ITF and leaves an important legacy...His leadership of the ITF and vision at a pivotal time for tennis established firm foundations for the ITF to grow and adapt to the changes of the subsequent three decades, and ensured the future of the sport we all love. David Haggerty said while mourning Brian Tobin’s demise. (H/T: ITF)

Brian Tobin and his works!

Brian Tobin earned a name for his work and devotion. The Australian headed TA from 1977 to 1989 after serving on the board of the Lawn Tennis Association of Australia. It was considered a critical period as it saw the Grand Slam tournament move from Kooyong to Melbourne because of the lack of big names. 

Much of the move’s success is attributed to Tobin. He then also changed ITF for good. Tobin guided the ITF into the new era that followed the establishment of the ATP and WTA tours and the reintroduction of tennis into the Olympics in 1988.

He greatly enhanced and developed the ITF’s core activities and major events including Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup (then Fed Cup). He was named an Honorary Life President in 1999.