ITF

PROFESSIONAL TENNIS WILL UNDERGO A MAJOR RESTRUCTURE AT ITS ENTRY LEVEL IN 2019. Reforms are being made as a result of extensive research and stakeholder input since 2014 that showed that despite more than 1,400 professional tournaments being offered on the ITF Pro Circuit in 2017, the Circuit provides a poor return on investment for nations and players; it does not present a clearly defined player pathway across the junior, entry level and higher professional stages; and it does present a risk to the sport's integrity. The changes centre on the launch of the ITF World Tennis Tour, which will comprise the ITF Junior Circuit, $15,000 tournaments and $25,000 tournaments (men) / $25,000-$100,000 tournaments (women). The new structure is designed not only to provide a clearer pathway for players, but a more effective system, one which links the junior and professional games and which, crucially, ensures that prize money at professional-level tournaments is better targeted to enable more of the men and women taking part to make a living. ➝ Priscilla Hon of Australia in action at the Fuzion 100 Surbiton Trophy ● Every year, 14,000 men and women play at least one $15,000 tournament, but research indicates that only approximately 600 earn enough prize money to cover the typical annual cost of competing – excluding the cost of coaching. ● With only around 75 out of the ITF's 210 member nations hosting tournaments, the Circuit is not easily accessible to players in many countries, forcing them to travel widely, at considerable expense, in the search for playing opportunities. ● A large number of junior players compete extensively in professional tournaments each year, but many are lowly-ranked or unranked and better suited to junior competition. High costs, low return Alexander Zverev's transition from the top of the junior game to a well-established professional was swift ITFWorld // SUMMER 2018 13 ➝

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