The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has established itself as one of the world’s largest and most global sporting bodies, encompassing more than 80 regional and national associations and reaching a community of 2 million players. With the implementation of the World Tennis Number (WTN), the ITF seeks to foster inclusion and competitiveness at all skill levels by providing a platform that helps tennis players of all ages and levels to assess their performance and progress in the sport.
The WTN is an international ranking system that has been designed to provide an accurate assessment of the level of play of tennis players, from beginners to advanced athletes. The ITF and its member associations use this tool to facilitate fair competition, thus enhancing the players’ experience when facing opponents of similar abilities.
DEVELOPMENT OF TENNIS GLOBALLY
With the introduction of the WTN, the ITF has achieved considerable expansion in the tennis community. Thanks to the collaboration of the more than 80 associations, tennis players from various countries and regions have had the opportunity to participate in international events and tournaments, benefiting from a standard ranking system that allows performance to be measured objectively. This inclusive approach is one of the main goals of the ITF, which continues to promote accessibility to tennis in all corners of the world.
In addition, the WTN has facilitated the creation of new player networks, from local tournaments to international competitions. Tennis players are thus able to continuously progress in the rankings, having the opportunity to measure their progress and access competitions that match their level, which has generated an increase in participation in the sport and in the number of fans.
IMPACT OF THE WTN ON THE FUTURE OF TENNIS
The WTN has become an essential tool for fostering the development of tennis in growing areas, allowing players from any region of the world to access the same standards and metrics of play. This ensures that, regardless of place of origin, tennis players can participate in competitions and events with uniform rules and clear expectations, an aspect that strengthens fairness in the sport.
The ITF remains committed to improving the WTN system to make it more accurate and accessible, integrating feedback from players, coaches and associations to fine-tune its metrics. As tennis continues to gain popularity in new regions, the federation is working to ensure that the infrastructure and opportunities accommodate the growth of the sport around the world.
