ITF

2021 ITF Annual Review 6 RENEWED FOCUS by Kelly Fairweather, ITF Chief Execu ve Officer A renewed focus for a stronger game na ons are represented at the highest levels of professional tennis. For this to happen, we need to start at the grassroots, and the ITF's development officers work across regions worldwide to support na ons where tennis is under-represented. They work closely with Na onal Associa ons, tailoring programmes and funding to iden fy talent and provide the required facili es and opportuni es to ensure tennis reaches all four corners of the globe. The ITF has expanded into other areas of tennis, such as beach tennis, and extended the seniors tour to include 30 years plus and 90 years plus age categories. We are consul ng with na ons on other variants of the game, for example padel tennis, pickleball and esports, to explore new and innova ve ways in which people can par cipate and enjoy the game. Our digital transforma on project is about u lising technology and data to bring players and fans closer to the game and provide them with new and easier ways to get involved. For example, the ITF World Tennis Number (WTN) will enable players of all levels, wherever they are in the world, to find new playing opportuni es. This global ra ng system is based on the highest quality, reliable tennis data. Over 1.2 million players have already been assigned a World Tennis Number, and 139 Na onal Associa ons have signed up to par cipate so far. To support the grassroots game and player development pathways, we need to remain in robust financial health. This is where the ITF World Tennis Tour and ITF major events, including the Billie Jean King Cup by BNP Paribas, Davis Cup by Rakuten and In December 2021, I was honoured to be appointed CEO of the ITF. The roles of President and CEO were split as a result of the ITF's three-year Governance Review project, to ensure an even greater balance of powers and accountability in leadership. Having joined the ITF in January 2017 as COO, this is an exci ng opportunity to drive the growth of tennis through the delivery of the eight priori es of our strategic plan, ITF2024. I am proud of what we have achieved so far and how this is benefi ng the game. This Annual Review looks back at 2021, but also documents how we will con nue to deliver against our strategic plan in 2022 and beyond. The ITF plays the crucial role in tennis of ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport, and we are commi ed to inves ng in and developing tennis globally. Tennis has a rich and long history. It is one of the most universal sports, with more than 87 million people playing the game, over one billion fans, and thousands of amateur and professional tournaments taking place all year round. Whilst the ITF, together with its 210 Na onal Associa on members and six Regional Associa on affiliates, serve as guardians of the game for players of all ages and levels from recrea onal to professional, there are seven stakeholders – the ITF, ATP, WTA and the four Grand Slam tournaments, collec vely known as the T7 – which oversee and administer the professional game. Each of us plays our part to deliver tennis worldwide. Through our collabora on with Na onal and Regional Associa ons, we are working to ensure more The ITF plays the crucial role in tennis of ensuring the long-term growth and sustainability of the sport, and we are commi ed to inves ng in and developing tennis globally.

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