![\"Tennis](\"http:\/\/www.clubinsideronline.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/TIA-300x159.jpg\")
Tennis Industry Association<\/p>\nTennis Industry Association<\/p>\n
NEW YORK, N.Y.<\/strong> – Ajay Pant, National Tennis Director for Life Time, has been named \u201cPerson of the Year\u201d for 2017 by Tennis Industry Magazine<\/em> in the publication\u2019s January 2018 issue. Pant led off the magazine\u2019s 17th annual \u201cChampions of Tennis Awards,\u201d which honors people, businesses and organizations dedicated to improving the sport and business of tennis.<\/p>\n Pant, who is based at Life Time\u2019s headquarters in Chanhassen, Minnesota, joined the company in March and oversees the tennis and racquet sports business. Currently, of Life Time\u2019s 129 locations, 26 offer tennis, but that number is expected to increase in 2018. The company is the largest operator of indoor tennis facilities in the U.S.<\/p>\n Pant\u2019s history and influence in the sport runs deep. He is one of only 10 tennis teaching professionals in the world designated as a Master Professional by the two main teaching organizations, the Professional Tennis Registry and the U.S. Professional Tennis Association. A sought-after industry presenter, he also is a longtime volunteer with the U.S. Tennis Association and has been instrumental in key developments for bringing more youngsters into tennis.<\/p>\n \u201cAjay is a shining example of someone who has helped to make a difference in this industry, where he\u2019s been a voice of reason, focusing on matters that truly help to grow this sport,\u201d says Peter Francesconi, the editor of Tennis Industry, the world\u2019s largest tennis trade magazine (www.tennisindustrymag.com). \u201cFor decades, his knowledge, experience and steady guidance have helped influence the direction of this sport.\u201d<\/p>\n Adds Tennis Industry Association Executive Director Jolyn de Boer, \u201cAjay has an unrelenting focus on excellence and achievement. We\u2019re fortunate to have someone of his caliber and integrity in this industry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI feel incredibly lucky,\u201d Pant says. \u201cMy whole career has been spent with people who have made a difference: Arthur Ashe, Nick Bollettieri, Alan Schwartz, the Junior Tennis Champions Center\u2014and now here at Life Time. I think we can move the needle\u2014we will grow this game in the U.S.\u201d<\/p>\n