ITF

ITF pro circuit & beach tennis The number of players registering for Pro IPIN Membership increased by five per cent in 2012 to 18,230 ITF PRO CIRCUIT T he ITF Pro Circuit, which comprises individual week long tournaments, organised and/or approved by ITF member nations, continues to offer global opportunities for the development of professional tennis. The number of players registering for Pro IPIN (International Player Identification Number) membership increased by five per cent in 2012 to 18,230. Eleven nations benefited from Grand Slam Development Fund financial assistance in 2012 with eight men's tournaments and 11 women's tournaments receiving grants. Grants are crucial to ensure a greater range of playing opportunities for players in all regions. ($320,000), Oceania staged 15 tournaments ($360,000) while Central America and Caribbean offered nine tournaments ($210,000). Seven tournaments were held in the new prize money category of $15,000 which was introduced in 2012. They took place in Bosnia/Herzegovina, China, P.R., Czech Republic, Georgia and Italy. Once again France spearheaded the $100,000 category by hosting four of these Circuit-leading tournaments. Bahamas, China, P.R., Colombia, Czech Republic, Italy, Kazakhstan and USA also contributed to this category level. ITF WOMEN'S CIRCUIT ITF MEN'S CIRCUIT The number of Women's Circuit tournaments fell slightly in 2012 to 484, a reduction of 21 tournaments on 2011. Consequently the total prize money on offer decreased by $1,030,000 to $10,220,000. Around 25 per cent fewer $100,000 tournaments and 19 per cent fewer $50,000 tournaments were held. The number of Men's Circuit tournaments and the total prize money increased significantly in 2012 to 582 (+11.5 per cent) and $6,675,000 (+9.3 per cent). There was a minor reduction in the number of $15,000 category tournaments which was compensated by a substantial increase of 19 per cent in the $10,000 category. Europe staged 270 tournaments in 2012 and offered $5,245,000 in prize money. They were supported by Asia with 75 tournaments ($1,815,000), South America with 47 tournaments ($710,000) and North America with 45 tournaments ($1,560,000). Africa hosted 23 tournaments Europe played a significant role in the Circuit's growth in 2012, staging 318 tournaments (+11 per cent) and offering $3,615,000 in prize money. This was followed by South America, who hosted 90 tournaments ($955,000) and Asia with 84 ($995,000), a 35 per cent increase from 2011. 12 PROFESSIONAL TENNIS

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