ITF — International Tennis Federation

What is the ITF?

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the world governing body of tennis: 213 national associations under one federation responsible for the rules of the game, the great national-team competitions, Olympic and Paralympic tennis, and the circuits that develop the sport worldwide.^[1] [2] In late 2025 the federation announced it will rebrand as World Tennis in 2026, following the naming pattern of other global federations.^[3]

What does the ITF govern?

The ITF writes the Rules of Tennis; owns the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup; governs Olympic and Paralympic tennis with the IOC and IPC; and runs the sport's development pyramid — the ITF World Tennis Tour (the entry level of professional tennis), the junior circuit and junior Grand Slams, wheelchair tennis, beach tennis and seniors competition.^[1] [2] The Grand Slams themselves are staged by their national associations with the ITF among the sport's joint governing institutions.^[2]

When was the ITF founded and where is it based?

Founded in Paris on 1 March 1913 as the International Lawn Tennis Federation by a dozen national associations, it dropped "Lawn" in 1977 and has long been headquartered in London. David Haggerty (USA) has been president since 2015, re-elected in 2019 and 2023.^[2] [4]

How is the ITF recognized?

The ITF is recognized by the International Olympic Committee as the international federation for tennis and governs the Olympic tennis event; it likewise governs Paralympic wheelchair tennis with the IPC.^[1] [2]

What competitions does the ITF organize?

• Davis Cup — the men's world team championship, contested since 1900.^[1]
• Billie Jean King Cup — the women's world team championship, since 1963.^[1]
• ITF World Tennis Tour — the global entry level of professional tennis, plus the junior, wheelchair, beach tennis and masters circuits.^[1]
• Olympic and Paralympic tennis events.^[2]

How is the ITF structured?

Its members are the 213 national tennis associations, grouped in regional associations, with an elected Board of Directors and president; the federation also publishes the sport's development metrics and world champion honors.^[1] [4]