Tuesday 29 November 2016 17:48, UK
Former player Anne Keothavong is Great Britain’s new Fed Cup captain and will assume the role of senior national women’s coach, the Lawn Tennis Association have announced.
Keothavong reached a career-high singles ranking of 48 in the world in 2009 before retiring four years later.
The 33-year-old played in 44 Fed Cup rubbers during her career, winning 21 singles ties, a record only bettered by Virginia Wade.
Keothavong will commence her new role on December 1 and will work alongside women's tennis head coach Jeremy Bates.
"We have found the best candidate in Anne," said Bates.
"She has a tremendous work ethic having gone through triumph and adversity in her own career, and has a burning desire to give back to British Tennis."
Keothavong said: "I'm delighted and honoured to accept this position in the sport that I love.
"What a privilege it's been to see all the British success on the court over the last couple of years, especially this last 12 months. But success doesn't just happen. It takes hard work, dedication, commitment and a desire to continually do better.
"I really look forward to working with everyone in British Tennis: the performance and coaching teams at the LTA and of course the players as we aim to raise the bar even higher."
Current British No 1, Johanna Konta, added: "I think Anne is a great choice as our next GB Fed Cup captain. She will lead from real life experience because she was a winner on court and she knew what it took to step up and play for her country.
"I wish her the best and look forward to the 2017 campaign."
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