Lisnard’s Academy Divides Cannes Tennis Community

The Elite Tennis Center (ETC) in Cannes, founded by former world No. 84 Jean-René Lisnard, is generating both prestige and friction within the local tennis community. While the center attracts promising young talent, some long-time club members express concerns about access to courts and perceived preferential treatment.

Growing Pains at the Garden Tennis Club

The ETC has become a hub for rising stars, including players like Daniil Medvedev, Mirra Andreeva, and Alexander Muller. However, some club subscribers and members of the ASLM (Association Sportive des Loisirs Municipales) believe the academy’s growth is coming at the expense of recreational players.

“For more than a year, the ETC tends to receive comfortable with courts and reservations. They have encroached on their prerogatives over time, and we have to make do with what’s left.”

A local father, lamenting limited court availability

Concerns center around booking difficulties and a perceived imbalance in access, particularly during inclement weather when covered courts are in high demand.

Allegations of Favoritism

Some members have voiced suspicions about preferential treatment, fueled by Lisnard’s familial connection to Cannes Mayor David Lisnard.

“Jean-René Lisnard allows himself all this only because he is the cousin of Mayor David Lisnard.”

Liliane, a retired club subscriber

Lisnard also holds a position within the new ASLM office, leading to accusations of a conflict of interest and undue influence.

Defense of the Elite Tennis Center

Philippe Rome, President of the Elite Tennis Center, strongly refutes these claims. He emphasizes Lisnard’s initial involvement was to revitalize a financially struggling club.

“Jean-René Lisnard learned to play tennis at ASLM, and if he got involved alongside President Elkern, it was to help turn around the club which was in a structural deficit and losing members. Today the results are positive and subsidies from the town hall have decreased from year to year.”

Philippe Rome, President of the Elite Tennis Center

Rome dismisses allegations of court “squatting” and asserts that the ETC operates within the bounds of its agreement with the city. He attributes perceived booking issues to increased demand following the club’s improvement.

City Maintains Control

Patrice Mestre, Cannes’ sports director, clarifies that the city retains overall control of the municipal complex, establishing schedules for both the ASLM and the ETC.

The ASLM has 12,000 hours of court time annually for its 500 members, while the ETC, with 20-40 players, is allocated 3,050 hours on three courts (including one covered court) during specific time slots. The city also manages requests from 250 independent subscribers.

“The occupancy of the courses is controlled, and in the event of bad weather, there are always two covered areas which remain reserved for subscribers and members… But those who complain only represent a tiny minority.”

Patrice Mestre, Cannes’ sports director

A Dual Role Under Scrutiny

Jean-René Lisnard’s involvement in both the ETC and the ASLM continues to draw scrutiny, with some questioning the potential for conflicts of interest. However, supporters maintain that his expertise is a valuable asset to the local tennis community.

The situation highlights the challenges of balancing the needs of a growing academy with those of a long-standing recreational tennis community.

FAQ

The situation remains a point of contention in Cannes, with the city working to balance the needs of all tennis enthusiasts.