Mr. Lars Myhrman, former Chairman of the Kungl. Lawn Tennis Klubben, was a pivotal figure in the world of tennis. Founded in 1896, the club is a founder of the prestigious Centenary Tennis Clubs Association. His contributions to the sport are deeply cherished by the tennis community.
In 1974, Mr. Myhrman travelled to Barcelona, where he met Mr. Juan Maria Tintore. At the time, the Davis Cup could only be played outdoors. To accommodate indoor play during winter, a competition called the Kings Cup, or Copa del Rei, was organized. Mr. Myhrman and Mr. Tintore discussed reorganizing the event to compete with American Team Tennis, which sought to attract European players to cities like Chicago or Miami. This effort marked a significant moment in tennis history, over 50 years ago.
In 1982, Mr. Myhrman returned to Barcelona as part of the world’s leading professional Tennis Council. During this visit, he met Miguel Lerin, the tournament director of what is today known as the Conde de Godo. He fondly remembered the successes of Swedish players, who had won the tournament eight times before the era of Rafael Nadal.
By 1996, Juan Mª Tintore, alongside IOC President Juan Antonio Samaranch, had the visionary idea to establish the Centenary Tennis Clubs Association. This organization was created to honor tennis’s rich heritage by uniting clubs with over 100 years of tradition. Mr. Myhrman, then chairing the Kungl Lawn Tennis Klubben, was asked to become one of the eight founder clubs, a decision he embraced wholeheartedly.
The Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899 and Real Kungl Lawn Tennis Klubben remain among the last two clubs globally to host an ATP event. Both clubs, along with the Centenary Tennis Clubs Association, have thrived. In Stockholm’s cold climate, Kungl Lawn Tennis Klubben has introduced three bee houses, helped flowers flourish and producing their own honey.
In a gesture of goodwill, Mr. Myhrman presented Mr. Jordi Cambra, the president of Real Club de Tenis Barcelona-1899, and the CTC General Secretary with a pot of Kungl Lawn Tennis Klubben honey. Additionally, he gifted an eternal tennis ball made of Swedish brass to commemorate the club’s 125-year legacy.
