The ABTO Podcast

Association of British Tennis Officials

The ABTO Podcast, from the Association of British Tennis Officials, explores the world of tennis officiating through the voices of those who have shaped it. Malgorzata Grzyb, Chair of the Association of British Tennis Officials (ABTO), brings nearly a decade of experience as a tennis official to her role as host of The ABTO Podcast.   Passionate about the world of officiating, Malgorzata sits down with key figures who have shaped the profession, offering thoughtful conversations that delve into the past, present, and future of tennis officiating.   Through the podcast series, Malgorzata explores a wide range of topics with podcast guests, from the evolving nature of officiating roles to the importance of inclusion, development, and wellbeing within the officiating community.   ABTO plays a vital role in supporting British tennis officials in every role - line umpires, chair umpires, referees, and court supervisors - providing them with growth opportunities through mentoring, webinars, and a strong network of support.

Episodes

  1. Denise Parnell: Refereeing Wimbledon History

    06/02/2025

    Denise Parnell: Refereeing Wimbledon History

    The ABTO Podcast, from the Association of British Tennis Officials, explores the world of tennis officiating through the voices of those who have shaped it. In this episode, we speak with Denise Parnell - the trailblazing tennis official who made history as the first female referee at the Wimbledon Championships. Denise shares insights into her role at what is widely considered the most prestigious sporting event in the world. She reflects on her journey to the top, the challenges she faced along the way, and why it has taken so long for a woman to step into this position. Denise's historic appointment as Wimbledon’s first female referee came in 2024 following her appointment as the first female referee at the ATP event at Queen’s Club in 2021, the same year she also served as referee for the Wimbledon qualifying event. Prior to these milestones, Denise spent over a decade honing her expertise in the Wimbledon referees' office, beginning in 2006. Before stepping into officiating, Denise competed as a professional tennis player in the 1980s and played in the main draw of the Wimbledon Ladies’ Singles in 1986. Her excellence in officiating has earned her much recognition, including being named ABTO Referee of the Year in both 2021 and 2024.   Follow ABTO on Facebook Visit our website Email us at abto.committee@gmail.com With thanks to editor Adam Woodward and the Wolfe Power Club Podcast of Studio 55 for their technical support.

    27 min

About

The ABTO Podcast, from the Association of British Tennis Officials, explores the world of tennis officiating through the voices of those who have shaped it. Malgorzata Grzyb, Chair of the Association of British Tennis Officials (ABTO), brings nearly a decade of experience as a tennis official to her role as host of The ABTO Podcast.   Passionate about the world of officiating, Malgorzata sits down with key figures who have shaped the profession, offering thoughtful conversations that delve into the past, present, and future of tennis officiating.   Through the podcast series, Malgorzata explores a wide range of topics with podcast guests, from the evolving nature of officiating roles to the importance of inclusion, development, and wellbeing within the officiating community.   ABTO plays a vital role in supporting British tennis officials in every role - line umpires, chair umpires, referees, and court supervisors - providing them with growth opportunities through mentoring, webinars, and a strong network of support.