ITF Press Release, October 18, 2024
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced the successful conclusion of its 2024 Conference and Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Hong Kong, marking the first time this event has been held in Asia since 2017.
“Connecting World Tennis”, this year’s over-arching theme, set the stage for an engaging and thought-provoking conference. Attendees were introduced to the ITF2024+4 strategy and a transformative digital vision to enhance tennis access, enjoyment and engagement: whether you are watching or playing.
New fan innovations to launch in 2025 include a combined Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup mobile experience, debuting as the “World Cup of Tennis” app, and an all-new OTT subscription channel will livestream 22,000 ITF World Tennis Tour (Tour) matches in 2025.
The ITF presented digital tools to engage with its Tour communities; harnessing technology to offer new opportunities to grow the number of fans and deliver valuable services to players across all five ITF Tours.
The conference heard a presentation on a long-term collaborative digital project aimed at fostering a vibrant global community of players powered by innovation, enhanced data collection, and anchored by the ITF World Tennis Number.
Delegates representing 131 ITF member nations were also presented with an ambitious global development strategy and a roadmap to further boost mass participation and national infrastructure.
Dave Haggerty, ITF President, said, “The ITF’s mission is to deliver tennis for future generations. We want more people playing, more often; this is what we do. In 2019, we committed to increase the number of players worldwide from 84.4m to 120m by 2030. We’re on track to reach our goal*.
“Working with National Tennis Associations, the ITF reinvests 90% of revenue into national training facilities, programmes, professional development and growing grassroots participation in our sport. This is the foundation on which our global sport is built. Together, we are shaping a vibrant future for tennis on a global scale.”
In a groundbreaking vote, the AGM approved the most comprehensive reform of its Constitution in ITF history.
Jack Graham ITF Board member and Constitutional Committee Chair said, “The ITF Constitutional reform is the conclusion of a major 4-year project to modernise, clarify and strengthen the governance of the ITF, its members and regional affiliates, in accordance with the principles of good sporting governance. We know that there is a strong correlation between good governance and the effectiveness of sporting organisations. The modernised Constitution received overwhelming support (92%) from member nations and is underpinned by the ITF’s core values of accountability, integrity, transparency, and procedural fairness.”
The AGM also voted in favour of a revision to coaching Rule 30, adding off-court coaching to the ITF rulebook following a multi-year research programme.
Throughout the discussions, the ITF emphasized its commitment to driving growth and innovation while ensuring a fair, clean, and safe sport for all.
Kelly Fairweather, ITF CEO remarked: “As global guardian of the game, we have a responsibility to protect the game, as well as promote, fund and the game, from grassroots participation to the highest levels of competition. We would like to express our gratitude to the nations and regions for their participation at this year’s event, and all 213 ITF members for their continued collaboration.”
The AGM concluded with an announcement that the 2025 ITF Conference & AGM will be hosted by the Saudi Arabian Tennis Federation in Riyadh, signifying the ITF’s dedication to extending tennis’ global footprint and fostering development in emerging regions.
