Veteran umpire calls for equal opportunities at Black List Awards
Mwondela, 65, has been a key figure in tennis officiating ever since joining the British Tennis Umpires Association in 1996, officiating at 25 Wimbledon, 2 US Opens and numerous Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, ATP, and WTA events worldwide.
The Braintree resident's legacy extends beyond the court as a member of the LTA's IDEA group, championing diversity and inclusion in tennis and has now led her to receive the Officiating award at this year's edition of the Tennis Black List, presented in association with Dante Talent and held during the HSBC Championships at The Queen's Club, London on the 11th of June, supported by the LTA.
She said: 'I've been doing this for almost 30 years now and it's very different from when I started and it's really good to start getting recognition.
'It wasn't easy coming in up until now but I hope for even better things to come in terms of diversifying our sport.
'I feel very pleased to be able to celebrate this award and all the other people who have won and what they have brought to our sport.
'Tennis and sport in general isn't just about watching the matches. It's not just about playing and it's not fair that a particular kind of opportunity is closed to anybody just because of whatever they look like.
'Everyone should have that opportunity to be the best they can be in a field and have equal opportunities to enter that space.'
Tennis Black List is the global celebration of Black and mixed black excellence across the game — spotlighting the unsung, the visionary and the next generation of changemakers.
Mwondela added: 'It wasn't easy when I started officiating because it wasn't a space a person like myself was seen in but thankfully I can look back and identify people who were allies before the word 'ally' was even fashionable.
'People like Maureen Laffey, Mike Morrissey and Les Maddock championed and encouraged me when it wasn't easy for me and that made the difference.
'I'm here now because of the people who invested in me so I would like to encourage other people to come and take advantage of what the sport to offer.'
Founders Anne-Marie Batson and Richard Sackey Addo say:
'This movement is about legacy. Tennis Black List is creating space for Black and mixed-black heritage excellence to be seen, honoured and remembered across all areas of tennis. We are building a global legacy that makes space for what is next.'
Launched in 2022; Tennis Black List is the only global platform dedicated to celebrating and documenting Black and mixed-black impact in tennis — from grassroots organisers to elite players. A movement rooted in recognition, legacy, and cultural celebration.
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