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Allaster, 52, was named chief executive in 2009 and played an
instrumental role in securing equal prize money for women tennis
players at six WTA events and all four grand slams.
"It's been a privilege to lead the organization that Billie Jean
King founded and to have worked with the world's best female
athletes, dedicated tournament promoters and passionate and
professional WTA team members," Allaster, who joined the WTA as
its president in 2006, said in a statement.
"For 25 years I have dedicated my professional life to the sport
and I'm proud of the work I leave behind."
The WTA said the process to replace Allaster is underway but
offered no timetable for when a successor will be named.
During her tenure, Allaster secured a record number of new
sponsors, enhanced the health and well-being of athletes through
her work in streamlining the tennis calendar and saw a jump in
TV viewership and attendance at the sport's biggest events.
The Canadian, who was named as one most powerful women in sports
in 2009 by Forbes, said she was leaving her position for
personal reasons to spend more time with her family and called
the recent death of her brother-in-law and the ATP chief
executive Brad Drewett as a "personal wake-up call."
“The recent loss of my brother-in-law and the ATP's CEO, Brad
Drewett, has provided a personal wake-up call about life, family
and priorities and it is time for me to shift some time and
energy that way," said Allaster, whose departure takes effect on
Oct. 2.
"When I joined the WTA my goal was to leave the organization on
a stronger footing and I feel a humble sense of pride in what we
have all accomplished here.
"I have focused on what it means to be a champion and I have
tried to be a strong role model for women to encourage success
in the sports industry."
(Reporting by Steve Keating in Richmond, Virginia; Editing by
Frank Pingue)
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