Paul McNamee's bid to take over the presidency of Tennis Australia has failed with Geoff Pollard elected to the job for another 12 months.
But Pollard will end his 21-year reign in charge of the sport's governing body in Australia next year.
McNamee, a former tournament director of the Australian Open, had received significant backing to take over from Pollard, with Australia's No.1 ranked male tennis player Lleyton Hewitt supporting regime change at the top.
But the secret vote from the 16 state and territory delegates saw Pollard retain his position and he later said that he did not hold any grudges.
"Paul and I are friends and I hope we'll stay friends. I haven't been able to speak to him yet but I will so later today," Pollard said.
"I know I had the support of the board. I knew that what I was proposing was the right way forward to complete these negotiations and organise a proper transition which will happen next year."
"I'm planning a smooth transition where everyone can put their name forward and have a look at it for next year."
"I've made it quite clear we've got to go ahead with this transition (in leadership) and do it properly."
However, Pollard did not endorse McNamee as his successor.
McNamee wished Pollard well over the next 12 months, but said that several key issues must be addressed in order for Australian tennis to develop.
"A 20-year term is an obvious achievement, and I wish him well," McNamee said.
"I do believe that Australia needs to rebuild its status as a great tennis nation and, in order to do this, there are many ongoing issues that must be addressed. I will continue to play my part in helping our great game."