Tennis Industry Magazine Names 2017 ‘Champions of Tennis’
December 18, 2017
NEW YORK, NY (Dec. 18, 2017) — Ajay Pant, the national tennis director for Life Time, has been named “Person of the Year” for 2017 by Tennis Industry magazine in the publication’s January 2018 issue. Pant led off the magazine’s 17th annual “Champions of Tennis Awards,” which honors people, businesses and organizations dedicated to improving the sport and business of tennis.
Pant, who is based at Life Time’s headquarters in Chanhassen, Minn., joined the company in March and oversees the tennis and racquet sports business. Currently, of Life Time’s 129 locations, 26 offer tennis, but that number is expected to increase in 2018. The company is the largest operator of indoor tennis facilities in the U.S.
Pant’s history and influence in the sport runs deep. He is one of only 10 tennis teaching professionals in the world designated as a Master Professional by the two main teaching organizations, the Professional Tennis Registry and the U.S. Professional Tennis Association. A sought-after industry presenter, he also is a longtime volunteer with the U.S. Tennis Association and has been instrumental in key developments for bringing more youngsters into tennis.
“Ajay is a shining example of someone who has helped to make a difference in this industry, where he’s been a voice of reason, focusing on matters that truly help to grow this sport,” says Peter Francesconi, the editor of Tennis Industry, the world’s largest tennis trade magazine (www.tennisindustrymag.com). “For decades, his knowledge, experience and steady guidance have helped influence the direction of this sport.”
Adds Tennis Industry Association Executive Director Jolyn de Boer, “Ajay has an unrelenting focus on excellence and achievement. We’re fortunate to have someone of his caliber and integrity in this industry.”
“I feel incredibly lucky,” Pant says. “My whole career has been spent with people who have made a difference: Arthur Ashe, Nick Bollettieri, Alan Schwartz, the Junior Tennis Champions Center—and now here at Life Time. I think we can move the needle—we will grow this game in the U.S.”
In addition to its Person of the Year, Tennis Industry also named winners in 23 other categories for its 2017 Champions of Tennis Awards (visit www.tennisindustrymag.com for more on these winners):
Tennis Industry has been covering the tennis business and the sport for 46 years. Available in both print and digital editions, TI is the official publication of the Tennis Industry Association, U.S. Racquet Stringers Association, and American Sports Builders Association. Visit www.tennisindustrymag.com.