Wimbledon appoints its first female Chair in history with the appointment of former British player Debbie Jevans.

She is to become the Vice-Chair before taking over from the outgoing Ian Hewitt when he steps down after this summer’s Championships.

Jevans has won out in the race to succeed him over businessman Kevin Havelock and the decision was officially announced by Wimbledon on Thursday.

The 62 year-old was a prominent British player around the late seventies and made the fourth round of Wimbledon in 1979, as well as representing GB in team competitions.

After retiring she went into sports administration and has had a number of positions across different sports. These include working for the International Tennis Federation, the London Olympics, the 2015 Rugby World Cup and the EFL.

She does not come in at an easy time for one of the country’s most iconic institutions. The Club has still not resolved the issue of being deducted points for its banning of Russian and Belarussian players last summer, with the potential of it happening all over again.

There is also the complex planning permission they are trying to secure for the expansion into a neighbouring golf course, which has met with widespread opposition from the local community.

Ian Hewitt said: ‘Debbie has a valuable combination of skills and experience gained over a long career in sport, both as a former professional tennis player and through a number of leadership roles within high-profile sports organisations as well as her many years of service on the Club Committee.

‘This equips her well for the role and I look forward, as planned, to handing over as Chair after The Championships 2023 and wish Debbie all success as we continue with our ambitions.’