Indian Wells exec Simon to take over as WTA head

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Steve Simon will take over as the new CEO of the Women's Tennis Association (WTA).

Simon has run the tournament at Indian Wells since 2004. He replaces Stacey Allaster, who said on Sept. 22 that she was stepping down.

The WTA's board of directors acted quickly and announced Monday that it had made a unanimous decision.

The WTA released statements from several players praising Simon, including Serena Williams, who returned to Indian Wells in March after a 14-year personal boycott of the tournament.

Williams says Simon "could not have been more helpful, professional and supportive." She calls him "a good listener" who "has our best interests in mind."

Indian Wells has become the largest two-week combined tournament in tennis outside of the majors.