Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1024526
ITFWorld // SUMMER 2018 15 Player progression Although the new men's and women's structures are different, the principle behind them is the same – good performance at one level is linked to guaranteed opportunities at the next level, and is designed to allow successful players to progress more quickly, as follows: Men ● Up to seven reserved places for top players in the ITF World Tennis Ranking in the main draw (four places) and qualifying draw (three places) of each ATP Challenger tournament (with the exception of the highest $150,000 Challenger level). ● Five reserved places for top ITF-ranked players in the main draws of $25,000 tournaments. Women ● Five reserved places for top ITF-ranked players in the main draws of $25,000 tournaments. Juniors ● Five reserved places in the main draws of $15,000 tournaments for players with a Top 100 ITF Junior Ranking. In 2019, there will be no change to the play-down rules; players will not have to be within the ATP or WTA Top 750 to enter $25,000 or other ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments. Players within the ATP or WTA Top 750 will be able to play in $15,000 tournaments. New rankings rollout in 2019 The new ATP, WTA and ITF ranking systems will be introduced at the end of 2018. For women, any WTA Ranking points earned at $15,000 tournaments in 2018 will be converted into ITF World Tennis Ranking points for the start of the 2019 season. Ranking points earned at $25,000 level and above will be retained. For men, ATP Ranking points earned at the final rounds of $25,000 tournaments and above will be retained as ATP ranking points. ATP points earned at $15,000 and $25,000 tournaments in 2018 (as well performance in ATP Challenger qualifying) will be converted into ITF World Tennis Ranking points. The ITF, ATP and WTA are running shadow rankings in 2018, so that all players (and their National Associations) can see what their ATP/ WTA Ranking and ITF World Tennis Ranking would be under the new system. Lower hosting costs More National Associations are expected to have the opportunity to stage tournaments as a result of the cheaper hosting requirements at $15,000 level. All ITF World Tennis Tour tournaments will be shorter in length and take place over seven days (including qualifying) and there will be no requirement for a National Association to host consecutive weeks of either $15,000 or $25,000 tournaments as is currently the case on the men's side. With officiating requirements being reduced, the ITF anticipates that this package of cost savings will lead to more nations hosting tournaments in 2019, providing opportunities for emerging players and reducing their competition costs because playing opportunities are available closer to home. New tour, new name In 2017 a total of 1,663 Junior Circuit and Pro Circuit tournaments took place in 141 countries worldwide, which were enjoyed by some 22,000 players. The tremendous effort on the part of ITF nations is reflected in the naming of the new, streamlined player pathway structure – the ITF World Tennis Tour. ■ For further information on the ITF World Tennis Tour, please contact: worldtennistour@ itennis.com