Leon Smith handed expanded role in LTA performance team

Smith (right) will take on extra responsibility with the LTA

Great Britain's Davis Cup captain Leon Smith has been handed an expanded role by the Lawn Tennis Association.

Smith, head of men's tennis since 2010, will become head of men's and women's tennis, and retains his Davis Cup post.

Former British number one Greg Rusedski, who recently guided GB to their first Junior Davis Cup title, has agreed a new four-year contract.

He will continue to work with 15 to 18-year-old boys, while James Trotman is set to join the men's coaching team.

Trotman, whose arrival is subject to contract, has recently been working with Tennis Australia as a touring coach.

Analysis

Jonathan OverendBBC tennis correspondent

The star of Leon Smith within British tennis continues to rise at a rapid rate. This is effectively promotion to the role of performance director, even though his wordy job title doesn't say so. He's been in charge of men's tennis for 18 months, is undefeated as Davis Cup captain, and now he takes charge of the women too. There wasn't an obvious replacement for Nigel Sears who left in the summer but Smith has impressed sufficiently for his boss Roger Draper to take a gamble. He could do with an experienced tour coach as his number two and the search has begun

He would work alongside Rusedski, Martin Weston, Magnus Tideman, Julien Hoferlin, Colin Beecher, Nick Weal and James Davidson.

Smith takes over as head of women's tennis at the LTA following Nigel Sears' recent departure to become coach of Serbian former world number one, Ana Ivanovic.

"I am confident we have a world-class team in place," said LTA chief executive Roger Draper.

"As the national governing body for British tennis, we are committed to identifying and supporting our most talented athletes.

"The team has the balance of experienced international coaches working alongside young passionate British coaches which will provide the players with support and expertise to deliver long-term success at the top level."

Smith added: "I am very fortunate to be working already with a fantastic team of coaches and player support staff, and my priority now will be to work with Iain Bates [LTA women's tennis manager] to recruit a new head coach for women's tennis, as well as a new captain of the GB Fed Cup team."

Simon Jones will continue in his role of head of performance support, while Louis Cayer, who has overseen Britain's doubles teams, has been appointed head of performance coaching.

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