Chris Kermode as been an extension until 2019 to stay on as President and chief executive of the ATP ©Getty Images

Chris Kermode has been appointed for a second term as President and chief executive of the Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP), it was announced today. 

The 51-year-old Briton was originally appointed to the role by the the London-based ATP in November 2013 to succeed Brad Drewett following his death from Motor Neurone Disease.  

His current contract was due to expire next year but has now been extended until 2019. 

Kermode, a former professional player whose highest world ranking was 742 in 1986, has overseen a period of growth for the ATP, an organisation founded in 1972 to represent the interests of male tennis players. 

Last year, a record 4.5 million spectators attended ATP World Tour events, while more than a billion television viewers tuned in throughout the season, it is claimed. 

Prize money levels on the ATP World Tour are set to reach a record $135 million (£95 million/€121 million) by 2018.

In 2015, the ATP secured $160 million (3112 million/€143 million) in new sponsorship revenue over the next five years, including a multi-million dollar partnership with Emirates as the Tour’s premier partner.

Roger Federer, right, has backed the decision to give Chris Kermode, centre, an extension to his contract as President and chief executive of the ATP ©Getty Images
Roger Federer, right, has backed the decision to give Chris Kermode, centre, an extension to his contract as President and chief executive of the ATP ©Getty Images

“I’ve taken great pleasure in leading the ATP since 2014, and I’m delighted to continue in my role," said Kermode.

“I’d like to thank the Board of Directors for its vote of confidence and support as we look to continue to maximise growth opportunities in the years ahead.

"Just as importantly, I look forward to working with the other governing bodies of tennis to continue to protect the integrity of our sport.”

The sport was hit earlier this year by allegations of match-fixing, while the women's game is currently having to deal with a major controversy following the admission by five-time Grand Slam winner Maria Sharapova that she had tested positive for the banned drug meldonium at the Australian Open in January. 

The four governing bodies of international tennis, including the ATP, last month outlined the terms of reference and protocols for the Independent Review of Integrity in Tennis, but admitted that the process is expected to take at least a year to complete.

Roger Federer, winner of 17 Grand Slam titles, was among who backed the decision to extend Kermode's contract.

"Chris has done an excellent job and shown great leadership since heading up the ATP," he said.

"The Tour is in great shape and I’m pleased to see that he will serve a second term."