LONDON (AP) — Former tennis player-turned-businessman Andrea Gaudenzi will take over as chairman of the ATP next year.

The Italian, who won three tour-level titles and reached a career-high ranking of 18th before retiring in 2003, will start the job on Jan. 1, replacing Chris Kermode.

Gaudenzi says it is "a true honor" to step up to the chairman's position after a previous role on the board of the tour's broadcasting unit. The ATP says the board voted unanimously for Gaudenzi.

Kermode's contract was not renewed in March after a long-running dispute with Novak Djokovic, the president of the ATP's player council. Djokovic had been trying to increase players' influence over how the tour is run.

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Former pro player Andrea Gaudenzi to become ATP chairman in 2020

Former pro player Andrea Gaudenzi to become ATP chairman in 2020

Quotes from the ATP's press release:

Andrea Gaudenzi: “The ATP has played a central part in my life in so many ways, and to be given this opportunity to serve as ATP Chairman is a true honour. I look forward to overseeing the future direction of the Tour and building on the sport’s global success and popularity at what is unquestionably one of the most exciting times in the history of men’s professional tennis. I’m very thankful for this opportunity and can’t wait to get started in January.”

Gavin Forbes, ATP Board Tournament Representative, Americas: “We’re delighted to welcome Andrea as the next Chairman of the ATP. Following a first-rate career as a player, Andrea has excelled in various roles away from tennis. He offers the rare combination of knowing the business of the ATP Tour inside out, as well as benefitting from invaluable experience away from the sport. He will be able to hit the ground running in January and has all the attributes required to build on the significant growth of our business in recent years.”

Alex Inglot, ATP Board Player Representative, Europe: “Andrea offers a compelling range of attributes and experiences inside and outside the sport that will position him very well as we seek to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for our organisation. The ATP Tour is a unique 50-50 partnership between players and tournaments, and Andrea’s broad experience across both sides of our membership, as well as a proven track record away from tennis, were exactly what we were looking for as a Board.”

Novak Djokovic, President of the ATP Player Council: “On behalf of the players, I’d like to welcome Andrea as the next Chairman of the ATP. As a former player, he has walked in our shoes, and has also become a successful entrepreneur following his playing career. He has all the qualities to lead the Tour and we look forward to working together for the benefit of the players and the sport more generally.”