Renowned for his remarkable 25-year career in tennis, Ronnie Maxwell has been honoured as part of the Tennis Black List 2024, receiving the Coaching and Performance Award at the esteemed National Tennis Centre, where the second annual Tennis Black List event was held. This accolade recognises individuals from the black and mixed black heritage community who have made significant contributions to the sport of tennis.
Established by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo, with support from the LTA, Barclays, and YC Sports, the Tennis Black List aims to highlight the achievements of black role models and organisations in both grassroots and professional tennis. The event, held on June 27th, 2024, coincided with the lead-up to The Championships at Wimbledon, providing a momentous occasion to celebrate the accomplishments of those within the tennis community.
Awards were presented across eight categories during the ceremony, honouring individuals and organisations that have had a profound impact on the sport. The goal of the Tennis Black List is not only to acknowledge excellence in tennis, but also to foster a community that provides increased opportunities and access to the sport. This mission has been exemplified through the recognition of individuals like Ronnie Maxwell, whose dedication to coaching and developing tennis talent has left an enduring mark on the sport.
Maxwell’s contributions to tennis are truly extraordinary; through his roles at Westway Sports Group and David Lloyd in Raynes Park, he has played a pivotal role in nurturing the talents of numerous players, such as Emma Laine and Vishal Punta, and has facilitated their remarkable success in their tennis careers. His unwavering commitment to cultivating players both on and off the court has served as a source of inspiration for the tennis community.
The Tennis Black List holds significant importance beyond the awards themselves, serving as a platform to inspire the next generation of tennis players. This event has illustrated the impact of celebrating black excellence in sport and has showcased the achievements of role models within the tennis community, encouraging greater participation in the sport at all levels.
As LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd articulated, “Our vision at the LTA is for tennis to be welcoming, enjoyable, and inspiring to everyone. We know that seeing and celebrating the success of role models inspires and encourages more people to get involved – whether as a player, a coach, or a volunteer.”
Undeniably, the Tennis Black List has successfully achieved its objective of recognising and celebrating excellence in tennis, while also serving as a source of inspiration for future generations in the sport. It stands as a testament to the dedication and hard work of individuals like Ronnie Maxwell, who have played an integral role in shaping the tennis community for the better. #TennisBlackList #2024TennisBlackList #TennisBlackList2024