The recent occurrence of the Tennis Black List 2024 at the National Tennis Centre displayed honours for individuals from the black and mixed black heritage community who have made significant contributions to the sport of tennis. One of the distinguished honourees was retired Brazilian umpire Carlos Bernardes, who received the Administration & Officials Award in recognition of his 40-year career as an umpire.
The Tennis Black List event, organised by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo and supported by the LTA, Barclays, and YC Sports, is in its second year and seeks to acknowledge the outstanding achievements and influence of individuals and organisations within the tennis community. The awards ceremony, held just before The Championships at Wimbledon, celebrates excellence at all levels of the sport, whether at grassroots or professional levels, in both Britain and internationally.
Inspired by the success of the Football Black List and the Rugby Black List, the Tennis Black List aims to highlight the achievements of black excellence in the world of sports. The event serves as a platform to inspire the next generation within the tennis community, reinforcing the commitment and dedication demonstrated by the winners on and off the court.
During the ceremony, awards were presented in eight categories, with several recipients in attendance at the National Tennis Centre. Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo expressed their admiration for the remarkable individuals honoured at the event and emphasized the importance of building a community that provides more opportunities and access to the sport of tennis.
Carlos Bernardes, who began his officiating career in 1984, has made significant contributions to tennis, having overseen six Grand Slam Finals and more than 7,000 matches throughout his career. With a quarter-century of experience holding the Gold Badge, Bernardes has established himself as a respected and accomplished umpire in the sport.
Scott Lloyd, Chief Executive of the LTA, commended the 2024 winners, highlighting their role as inspiring role models for the entire tennis community. He reiterated the LTA’s vision for tennis to be an inclusive and inspiring sport for all, emphasising the importance of celebrating the success of role models as a means to encourage more people to become involved in tennis, whether as players, coaches, or volunteers.
The Tennis Black List 2024 event was indeed a night of inspiration and celebration, showcasing the excellence of individuals in the black and mixed-black heritage communities within the tennis world. With the aim of fostering a more inclusive and welcoming environment, the event serves as a testament to the positive impact of celebrating diversity and achievement in sports.
In conclusion, the Tennis Black List 2024 has set a precedent in recognising the outstanding contributions of individuals within the tennis community, highlighting the importance of diversity and excellence in the sport. As we celebrate the achievements of honourees like Carlos Bernardes, we are inspired to continue building a community that embraces and promotes opportunities for all individuals in tennis.