Retiring Brazilian umpire’s devotion praised at Tennis Blacklist 2024

By Ayisha Gulati

Retiring Brazilian umpire Carlos Bernardes was among those recognised as part of the Tennis Black List 2024.

Bernardes called time on his distinguished at the end of the 2024 season after 40 years of umpiring and received the Administration & Officials Award for his dedication, skill and talent as an official.

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.

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.”

Bernardes began his officiating career in 1984 in Sao Paulo at the Federation Cup and his career has seen him oversee six Grand Slam Finals – three US Open showpieces, two at Wimbledon and one at the Australian Open.

Overseeing more than 7,000 matches in his career to date, the 58-year-old has held the Gold Badge for a quarter of a century.

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.”

Serving excellence on and off the court: The Tennis Black List #TennisBlackList #2024TennisBlackList #TennisBlackList202