Lendl Serves As Tournament Ambassador For Prostejov Challenger

Ivan Lendl has spent time on tour as player and more recently a coach to World No. 2 Andy Murray, but he’s now taking on a new role: tournament ambassador.

The former World No. 1 and eight-time Grand Slam champion has served this week as a tournament ambassador for the $125,000 ATP Challenger Tour event in Prostejov, Czech Republic. For Lendl, widely regarded as the best men’s player in the history of Czech tennis, the decision was easy.

“There was not much to consider,” said Lendl. “I have many friends here in Prostejov, both old and new, and I always like to see them. I also like this tournament and have been here a couple of times.”

Lendl spoke about the importance of ATP Challenger Tour tournaments, as well as the wild cards offered into them, for young players developing their games. He cited two-time Prostejov champion Jiri Vesely as an example of how local Challengers can provide the resources for players to make it into the Top 100 of the Emirates ATP Rankings.

“Home tournaments are a great advantage for the home players. They can win some points and improve their rankings,” said Lendl. “It also applies with the Czech Republic. Look at Vesely and Adam Pavlasek here this week in Prostejov. How did they start? They received wild cards at home tournaments.”

Lendl signed on to work this year with the United States Tennis Association as part of their player development program, spending at least 50 days with several top-ranked 15 and 16-year-old boys.