British tennis chiefs landed a ground-breaking £25million, five-year sponsorship deal today, signed against the backdrop of serious uncertainty on the world's financial markets.

Roger Draper, the Lawn Tennis Association chief executive, staked his reputation in finding a company willing to back his vision for the sport in this country and was able to clinch the deal as Andy Murray stormed up the rankings to his current career-high No4.

Murray's surge into the US Open final in New York, where he lost to defending champion Roger Federer, provided a much-needed feel-good factor.

The deal sees AEGON, the life assurance and pensions company who also sponsor Dutch football giants Ajax, become the first major backers of British tennis following the launch of the LTA's new commercial programme in May.

Their agreement runs from 2009-2013, at £5m a year, and they will replace Artois as title sponsors of the Queen's Club tournament leading up to Wimbledon.

Under the deal, AEGON will be involved in all aspects of tennis, including the parks and schools programmes, as well as holding naming rights to the international grass-court events including the AEGON Championships at Queen's Club.
Draper said today: “We are delighted that AEGON has joined us as the lead partner of British Tennis in what is a very exciting time for the sport.

“We share a joint desire to grow the sport at all levels from our major international events to improving facilities and access across the country and AEGON will play a vital role in this.”

Murray, meanwhile, will continue to carry the flag for British tennis as he aims to lead the Davis Cup team to victory in their world group relegation play-off with Austria at Wimbledon, starting on Friday.