In a significant move to bolster athlete protection, Lindsay Brandon has been appointed as the Women’s Tennis Association’s (WTA) inaugural director of safeguarding. With a background in representing athletes in doping cases, Brandon is now tasked with shielding players from predatory coaches and other potential threats within the realm of women’s professional tennis. “Safeguarding encompasses emotional and physical abuse, extending beyond just the coach-athlete dynamic,” Brandon stated during a phone interview from the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, California, marking her first tournament visit since assuming her role over three months ago.
Brandon’s safeguarding strategy is comprehensive, addressing not only coach-related issues but also athlete-to-athlete interactions and concerns involving training staff. Her duties include managing the WTA security team’s investigations into complaints and keeping an eye on potential risks. A key focus for Brandon is enhancing educational efforts and crafting a safeguarding code of conduct, slated for release in 2024. This code will set behavioral standards and outline procedures for handling issues, applicable to all individuals credentialed within the WTA, including players, coaches, and staff.
Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO, underscored the necessity of a collective approach: “Safeguarding is multifaceted and most effective when the entire community is informed, engaged, and held to uniform standards.” Simon pointed out that the initiative is already yielding positive results, with an increase in athletes coming forward to report concerns.
The urgency of the WTA’s safeguarding commitment was heightened by several high-profile incidents last year. These included allegations of rape against a former coach by a French player and a lawsuit against the U.S. Tennis Association by another player for failing to protect her from abuse. Additionally, Hall of Famer Pam Shriver disclosed a harmful relationship with her older coach, highlighting the critical need for robust safeguarding measures.
Prominent player Ons Jabeur advocated for enhanced communication with athletes regarding safeguarding initiatives, remarking, “Perhaps it’s never enough, and we should strive to do more.” Simon emphasized the importance of self-protection and the reporting of suspicious behavior, urging players to establish and maintain appropriate boundaries.
Brandon, who has a personal history with tennis, having played through high school and briefly in college, joined the WTA after collaborating with Howard Jacobs, a distinguished sports lawyer. Jacobs commended her expertise, noting, “Lindsay’s knowledge in this area is likely more in-depth than anyone the WTA could have hired for this role.” Brandon plans to attend numerous tournaments, including smaller events, to offer support and outreach to younger players, aiming to serve as a resource for both prevention and response.