PARIS, Jan 13: The governing body of world tennis, the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), announced on Monday the appointment of former Nike executive Adam Helfant as its new executive chairman.

The 44-year-old American will take over with immediate effect from South African Etienne de Villiers, who decided not to renew his mandate after coming under attack from several top players, including world No 1 Rafael Nadal, over the ATP tournament schedule.

Helfant was a senior executive with Nike for 12 years and spent three years with the National Hockey League as an attorney.

“There is no doubt that men’s professional tennis is one of the world’s most popular sports and, as a lifelong fan, it is a great honour to have been given the opportunity to take the helm at such an exciting time for the ATP,” Helfant said.

ATP Player Board representative, Ivan Ljubicic, said: “I am delighted, on behalf of the players, to be able to welcome Adam to the ATP.”—AFP