Tennis Scotland has today announced Dunlop as its official tennis equipment partner in a multi-year deal.
As part of the agreement, Dunlop will also provide tennis equipment for the Lawn Tennis Association (LTA) and Tennis Scotland’s new GB National Tennis Academy at the University of Stirling, which opens in August.
The partnership with Tennis Scotland will help Dunlop strengthen its position in the Scottish market, as well as providing access to some of the best young performance tennis players within the UK. Dunlop will provide tennis rackets, balls, bags, strings, KSWISS footwear and coaching equipment to Tennis Scotland.
Dunlop have a proven track record in the sport and the deal underlines their commitment to tennis in Scotland and throughout the UK, with Jamie Murray, Leon Smith and Colin Fleming already endorsed by the brand as their official equipment provider.
“Having recently switched back to the Dunlop brand and as a Scotsman, I am incredibly excited for this new Dunlop and Tennis Scotland partnership”, said Jamie Murray, six-time Grand Slam doubles champion, Davis Cup winner and former world No.1.
“Dunlop’s commitment to developing high quality rackets has helped me achieve a number of titles over the last few years and I am incredibly proud to represent the brand throughout the world.”
Tennis Scotland is the independent governing body for the sport in Scotland, providing support to member clubs and organisations across Scotland with membership numbers growing from 30,000 to 57,000 over the past decade. There are more than 250 registered tennis venues featuring approximately 1,000 outdoor courts and 120 indoor courts, with Tennis Scotland recently securing £15million in funding to develop new indoor facilities across the country.
Blane Dodds, Tennis Scotland Chief Executive: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be partnering with Dunlop, a world-renowned brand which is steeped in tennis. The long-term agreement is a tremendous commitment and demonstration of confidence in tennis in Scotland and reflects not only the major strides made in the last decade but the huge potential ahead of us.
“Following yesterday’s announcement of our new GB National Tennis Academy head coach, Leonardo Azevedo, and his team and the anticipation ahead of the academy’s opening later this year, it’s a truly exciting time for Scottish tennis. We’re delighted to welcome Dunlop to our family of partners and supporters as our journey continues and as we all strive to increase access to and participation in tennis in Scotland.”
Chris Phillips, Head of Marketing for Dunlop UK: “Dunlop are incredibly proud to announce a partnership with Tennis Scotland, a nation which is steeped in tennis history and high-profile player achievements.
“The recent success for Tennis Scotland and the University of Stirling in becoming one of only two GB National Tennis Academies will allow Dunlop the opportunity to recruit some of the very best young playing talent within the UK. With an exciting new racket range we look to reengage with our younger audience and look forward to working together with Tennis Scotland and their coach and club network to actively engage with more tennis players.”
Dunlop and its parent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries (SRI) recently became the official ball partner of both the ATP Tour and Australian Open.