Acknowledging Mark Lewis' contribution to Tennis Auckland

Acknowledging Mark Lewis' contribution to Tennis Auckland

After almost 30 years of dedicated service to Tennis Auckland, Mark Lewis will be moving on from Tennis Auckland following recent organisational changes.

Mark's connection with tennis has been lifelong. Before joining Tennis Auckland, he enjoyed a highly successful playing and coaching career, representing New Zealand at the highest levels of the sport.

His achievements as a player included becoming the youngest ever New Zealand men's singles champion, winning national junior and senior singles and doubles titles, representing New Zealand in Davis Cup, achieving a top 100 ATP doubles ranking, and captaining the New Zealand Billie Jean King Cup team. He also holds the unique distinction of being the only New Zealander to coach a player to win the Wimbledon Men's Singles Championship, having coached Michael Stich to his 1991 Wimbledon title.

During his nearly three decades with Tennis Auckland, Mark has contributed across many areas of the organisation and the wider tennis community.

As Auckland Coaching Manager, he helped establish coaching programmes that developed players including Marina Erakovic, Cameron Norrie and numerous national champions and New Zealand representatives. His roles later expanded to include responsibility for competitions, interclub tennis, club capability and supporting the growth and development of clubs throughout the Auckland region.

Mark has worked closely with clubs, committees, volunteers, coaches, and administrators to strengthen tennis opportunities across Auckland. During his time with Tennis Auckland, Auckland club membership has grown significantly, including 2-4% annual growth over the past three years. Other initiatives have included the introduction of a new affiliation model (which saw a major jump in recorded member numbers after implementation), a major review and rewrite of interclub rules, delivery of tennis programmes to more than 100,000 school-aged students, and securing more than $2 million in funding for tennis projects across the region.

Mark and the Interclub staff have also played an important role in modernising Auckland tennis recently, particularly supporting the introduction of the Match Point system to improve competition management, scheduling, draws and results.

Reflecting on his time with Tennis Auckland, Mark said:

"To have been involved with Tennis Auckland for almost 30 years has been an incredible privilege and pleasure. I have had the opportunity to work alongside so many passionate, dedicated and talented people who have contributed enormously to the growth and success of tennis across Auckland.

"I would like to sincerely thank all club committees, volunteers, coaches, administrators, players and supporters who have given so much of their time and energy to making tennis such a strong and vibrant part of our communities. They do incredible work behind the scenes to provide opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy tennis. It has been a privilege to work alongside you.

"I also want to acknowledge the many wonderful colleagues during my time at Tennis Auckland. Their professionalism, friendship and dedication have made the journey both rewarding and enjoyable.

"I leave with enormous pride in what has been achieved and great confidence in the future of tennis across Auckland. The strength of our clubs will provide an excellent foundation for the years ahead.

"I look forward to taking some time to enjoy other interests and consider the next chapter, while remaining passionate about contributing to tennis and sport in whatever form that may take."

Tennis Auckland thanks Mark for his outstanding contribution, commitment and service to tennis over many years and wishes him every success for the future.