1. The general reaction to Britain’s performance in the singles at this year’s Wimbledon is that it is a national embarrassment. Is that fair?

It is hugely disappointing. We have always said that most of the current players are some way off competing at the highest level. This is why we have put significant effort into [the] talent ID [scheme] nationally, which will ensure we create an effective pipeline for talent. This will take a number of years to pay off but will ensure there is a consistent pool of talent to develop.

2. Are we better than we were when you took charge of the Lawn Tennis Association more than three years ago?

A lot has changed and there are many positives. I know people are looking for success on court and, while the women’s game has improved and we have now set up a systematic approach around our player programmes, until we have more winners people will challenge our approach. I am as impatient as anyone to see success but we must be about the long term.

3. What is the biggest problem for the LTA in producing young British players capable of winning at Wimbledon?

We have often had good juniors. The struggle has been transitioning them into the professional game. This is our greatest challenge and is why we have coaches working hard on bringing these players through.

4. Does the British system mollycoddle young players?

I don’t believe we spoil our players. We are very fortunate to have the resources to invest in players from a young age, a network of high-performance centres as well as offering world-class facilities. We have made some tough calls on players who have stepped out of line and we will continue to do so.

5. How many British men and women can we realistically expect in the top 100 by 2012?

There has already been marked progress in the women’s game and I am expecting significant progress in the men’s by 2012. Our target is 10 players (doubles and singles) in the top 100 by 2012.

6. Is there anything you would have done differently, knowing what you do now?

Three years ago we set out a clear plan and were blunt in saying that success would take time. This is why putting in place a national talent ID structure for players aged seven and eight over the past few years has been so important.

7. Is it more important to produce top-flight players and even potential Wimbledon champions or simply to get as many people as possible to play the sport regularly?

As the governing body we focus on three core pillars: the need to grow the sport, support talent/performance and to act as the governance. We must channel our efforts into all of these as they are clearly interlinked.

8. Comparing the club structure in France with that in Britain, have things changed in the past few years?

We have 2,700 affiliated clubs in Britain and continue to invest significant amounts in facilities. We have been rolling out Clubmark, a government-backed recognition scheme, to make sure the clubs are welcoming to all levels and age groups and encourage competition and participation.

9. Is the LTA doing everything possible to ensure schools make tennis part of their sporting curriculum?

We have made schools a priority in our community drive. We are providing equipment and coaching to more than 20,000 schools over the next four years as schools are vital to attracting and keeping players.

10. Has employing expensive foreigners such as Paul Annacone and Steven Martens, as well as Brad Gilbert and Carl Maes who have subsequently left, been the right policy?

Absolutely. The knowledge and experience of all our top coaches is vital to ensure we bring the talent through. We also have a lot of young talented British coaches who are benefiting from working with them and I hope they will become the top coaches of the future.