Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1477107
2021 ITF Annual Review 22 ITF WORLD TENNIS NUMBER FEATURE Using WTN to group players helped us have more compe ve bands in the divisions. More of the matches were close and the players' feedback was that they had a lot of fun playing more compe ve matches. Na onal Coach, Singapore The ITF World Tennis Number, or WTN, is a global skill ra ng for all tennis players across all levels and ages all over the world. Launched by the ITF in 2018 and now being embedded worldwide, it is a key element of our digital transforma on and consumer-focused approach for the future. The ITF World Tennis Number makes it easier for players to find opponents of a similar standard or level, whether that be at a professional event or in a local club or park, enabling them to improve their playing skills and increase their enjoyment of the game. Players will ini ally be invited to receive their individual number via their country's Na onal Associa on. Each ITF World Tennis Number is on a scale from 40 to 1. Beginners receive a number closer to 40, while those with more professional abili es will be closer to 1. Each me a player takes part in a match and those results are entered into the dedicated digital pla orm, their number will adjust based on a combina on of pre- and post- match analysis within the system. The more match results the system has for each player, the be er the algorithm understands an individual's ability. The algorithm used to calculate each ITF World Tennis Number is based on match results from ITF, Na onal and Regional Associa on databases going back to 2016. The new ra ng system is the only one of its kind backed by comprehensive, high-quality data which, as the interna onal governing body of tennis, the ITF can collate and provide. The ITF is currently working with 139 of our 210 member Na onal Associa ons on the project and will con nue to do so as we roll out the ITF World Tennis Number worldwide. As well as giving exis ng players the chance to improve their skills, we expect the WTN to encourage greater par cipa on in tennis in line with our goal of a rac ng 30 million new players by 2030. It will also provide further data and digital innova on opportuni es to help grow the sport of tennis. Game. Set. Matched.