| About the ITF |
For detailed information about how the ITF operates, its history and the role of national associations in the game, please visit the ITF's Official Website at www.itftennis.com.
With 205 member nations, the ITF is one of the largest sports federations in the world.
As the World Governing Body of Tennis, the ITF oversees the following five areas of the game:
1. Administration and Regulation
The administering and regulation of the game through 205 National Associations affiliated to the ITF, together with six Regional Associations. The ITF is responsible for the Rules of Tennis, including the technical specifications for courts and equipment, running and also enforces a joint anti-doping program.
2. Organising International Competitions
The ITF controls the major international team events for all age groups and for Wheelchair Tennis, including the two largest annual international team sports events in the world - the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas for men and the Fed Cup for women.
The ITF is involved at the highest levels of the game, including the 'the greatest show on earth' - the Olympic Games - to which tennis was reintroduced as a full medal sport in 1988.
In addition, the ITF works closely with the four Grand Slams - the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open - through its presence on the Grand Slam Committee and supports each event with administrative, officiating and media services.
The most prestigious competitions in tennis, the four Grand Slams, plus the Japan Open, the Italian Championships and the International Championships of Spain are all official Championships of the ITF.
3. Structuring the Game by Sanctioning International Circuits and Events
- This includes:
- the ITF Junior Circuit
- the ITF Men’s Circuit
- the ITF Women’s Circuit
- ITF Seniors Events
- the NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour
- the Hopman Cup
4. Developing the Game Through its Worldwide Development Programme
The Grand Slam Development Fund and the ITF invest more than US$4 million per annum into initiatives for the growth of the game
5. Promoting the Game
The ITF markets tennis through television, PR, event management and sponsorship.
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