After Bretherton stepped down, following three years in the role, Sabin was confirmed as his replacement at the LTA's Annual General Meeting in London. 

The appointment of the 66-year old, a former PE teacher, continues the series of modernisations unveiled recently by the LTA as it seeks to eradicate its "old boy" image.   

In 2013 after seven controversial years in charge Roger Draper was replaced as chief executive by Canadian Michael Downey - who will begin his tenure next month - and he will work with Sabin to continue this process. 

Sabin will also work with other women, including Judy Murray, Fed Cup captain and mother of the two-time Grand Slam winning British number one Andy Murray, to "spread the word" about the inclusive nature of tennis in Britain.

Alongside both Downey and Murray, challenges are likely to involve maintaining grassroots progression while also maintaining an upward curve among professional players. 

Judy Murray, pictured with Wimbledon winning son Andy, is another high profile women in British tennis...with whom Sabin will work alongside ©Getty Images




When asked to rate the significance of her own appointment in the context of the absence of women as LTA President's, Sabin described it as a "a huge moment".

"I don't think many people out there thought it would happen," she added.