A podcast shining a light on black excellence in tennis was recognised as part of the Tennis Black List 2024 at the National Tennis Centre.

Eugene Allen and Lucy Tezangi, hosts of the Black Spin Global podcast, won The Media Award, which aims to celebrate tennis journalism, broadcast, audio, digital and written excellence.

Tezangi said: “It’s so nice to be in a space where we can see other people doing so many great things. Being part of this celebration is amazing, especially in a sport where there are not a lot of us.”

Allen added: “The main reason I started this platform is because there weren’t enough black figures covering the sport - it is so important to have representation behind the scenes as well as on the court.

“Players appreciate they have black figures covering them, and the representation and relatability is important - it’s much bigger than just the platform, there’s a bigger goal there. 

“We are very proud to win this award.”

The National Tennis Centre hosted the Tennis Black List 2024 on Thursday night, celebrating tennis role models from the black and mixed black heritage community.

Founded by Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey-Addo last year, the event on 27 June 2024 marked the second year of the Tennis Black List, supported by the LTA, Barclays and YC Sports.

Taking place in the run up to The Championships at Wimbledon in nearby Roehampton, the awards recognise the contributions of individuals and organisations from grassroots level up to the professional game in Britain and internationally.

The Tennis Black List follows the example set by the successful and respected Football Black List, created by Leon Mann MBE and Rodney Hinds, and Rugby Black List which have demonstrated the power that celebrating black excellence can achieve in sport.

The event was an opportunity to inspire the next generation in the tennis community, with the commitment shown by the winners on and off the court.
Awards were handed out in eight categories across the evening at the ceremony, with several recipients present at the National Tennis Centre.

Eugene founded Black Spin Global in 2019 to provide a tennis media outlet that proudly puts black figures in the sport at the forefront and the podcast, which includes exclusive interviews with players, coaches and journalists, was founded a year later.

They were presented with the award on the night by Sky Sports Tennis lead commentator Jonathan Overend.

Tennis Black List organisers Batson and Sackey-Addo said: “This was truly a night of inspiration and celebration of the black and mixed-black heritage communities’ excellence in tennis on and off the court. 

“It’s been an honour to recognise a group of remarkable people who are the perfect embodiment of this.”

“One of the main aims for the Tennis Black List has always been to build a community to help provide more opportunities and access to our sport. 

“Many of our guests are doing amazing work which is positively impacting the lives of so many people by breaking down barriers to sport and we want to celebrate and grow this even more.”

LTA Chief Executive Scott Lloyd said: “It was hugely inspiring to celebrate once again all the amazing successes and achievements of the black and mixed-black heritage communities – the 2024 winners are real role models to everyone.

“Our vision at the LTA is for tennis to be welcoming, enjoyable and inspiring to everyone. We know that seeing and celebrating the success of role models, inspires and encourages more people to get involved - whether as a player, a coach or a volunteer."

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