ITF

ITF stands for the International Tennis Federation, the sport’s global governing body. It was founded in 1913 as the International Lawn Tennis Federation and adopted its current name in 1977. The ITF coordinates the rules of the game, governs international competition, supports development programs, and administers anti-doping and integrity efforts across tennis. It unites national associations that represent players, tournaments, and coaches around the world.

The ITF is governed by a president and an international council composed of representatives from member nations. It runs commissions and committees to oversee rules, governance, sport development, and discipline. The federation works with other governing bodies and with the International Olympic Committee to coordinate the sport’s calendar and maintain consistent standards across events.

Key functions include publishing the official Rules of Tennis and administering sanctions for ITF‑sanctioned events. It organizes and oversees major international competitions, including the Davis Cup (men’s national teams) and the Billie Jean King Cup (women’s national teams; formerly the Fed Cup), as well as other events in the Olympic program. The ITF also runs the ITF World Tennis Tour for professional players outside the main tours, the ITF Junior Circuit for players under 18, and circuits for wheelchair tennis and beach tennis.

Beyond competition, the ITF promotes development and access to tennis through coaching accreditation, grants, and development projects aimed at expanding participation worldwide. It also administers anti-doping and integrity programs and advances inclusion and equality within the sport.