Former Russian tennis star Anastasia Myskina is set to lead Lada hockey club as president, with the team slated to rejoin the Continental Hockey League in the 2023/24 season. This development was reported by Sports Express and has generated significant attention in both Russian sport and the broader hockey community.
Myskina currently serves as vice-president of the Russian Tennis Federation and has spent years on Lada’s Supervisory Board. Her long association with Lada reflects a bridging of tennis and ice hockey worlds, highlighting her commitment to sports administration and development across disciplines. Her appointment marks a notable moment for Lada as the club aims to restore stability and competitive energy after a period of transition.
As a former top player on the WTA tour, Myskina was once ranked world number two. She achieved a landmark victory at the French Open in 2004, becoming the first player from the former Soviet Union to win a women’s singles Grand Slam. Her singles success is complemented by strong results in doubles and mixed doubles tournaments, including reaching the semifinals at major events in doubles in 2005 and in mixed doubles in 2005. Over her career, she claimed 15 WTA titles, with 10 coming in singles, and she represented Russia with distinction in team competitions, helping the national squad win the Fed Cup in 2004 and 2005.
Lada’s return to the KHL marks a new chapter for the club, which has faced the challenges of competition at the highest level of Russian ice hockey in recent seasons. The club’s on-ice performance in the initial games of the season has drawn attention as fans and analysts assess how leadership, coaching, and player development will unfold under the new administration. Early results presented a mixed picture, with a close loss to Traktor and a decisive defeat to SKA in the opening matches of the campaign.
The move to appoint a high-profile sports administrator with substantial experience in elite competition reflects a strategic emphasis on governance, brand strength, and long-term viability for Lada. Fans can expect a leadership style that blends professional rigor with a clear focus on youth development, community engagement, and steady progress on and off the ice. In recent years, Lada has worked to increase its visibility and broaden its regional appeal, a goal that aligns with Myskina’s track record of leadership in sports organizations and her public profile as a former world champion.
The broader context of this appointment includes ongoing conversations about the role of former athletes in running professional clubs. Myskina’s dual experience as a top athlete and a sports administrator positions her to articulate a clear vision for Lada, one that balances competitive performance with sustainable growth. Her involvement comes at a time when the Russian hockey league landscape is undergoing structural changes and teams are reinforcing their organizational foundations to compete at the highest levels.
This leadership transition also highlights the permeability between tennis and hockey as two popular but distinct sports within Russia. Myskina’s network in the international tennis world, combined with her administrative credentials, may help Lada attract sponsorship and talent, contributing to the club’s ability to recruit skilled players, invest in facilities, and improve coaching resources. Observers will be watching how the new presidency integrates with the club’s existing executive team and how it influences Lada’s scouting, player development, and community outreach programs.
Overall, the appointment of Anastasia Myskina to the presidency signals Lada’s intent to raise its profile and strengthen its competitive framework as it returns to the KHL. The combination of her elite athletic background, administrative experience, and commitment to the federation level highlights a strategic approach aimed at delivering long-term value for players, fans, and the broader hockey ecosystem. As the season unfolds, stakeholders will look for concrete milestones in performance, governance, and youth development that reflect the new leadership’s priorities and the club’s renewed ambition.