Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1537476
The ITF works to ensure that tennis thrives for the future. Our role is not only to provide global stages for its best players to shine, but to successfully channel the inspira on and funding which flow from our major events to create more players. These players should be enabled to play for fun and for a life me or, if talent and ambi on allow, have access to compe on and progression – wherever they are from. It is the ITF's unique mission to grow the global footprint of tennis, and we do this in partnership with our member na ons. Our scope is worldwide and all-encompassing; recrea onal players in Aruba are as important to us as champions from Zimbabwe. The return of tennis to the Olympics 37 years ago unlocked new funding for the ITF to invest in developing the sport. The Olympic and Paralympic Games also turbocharged interest and investment in tennis around the world – since Seoul 1988, the number of ITF member na ons has more than doubled to the 213 we have today. Together we are a truly global powerhouse. Our member na ons offer the founda onal opportuni es for people to get involved in tennis and experience the game as recrea onal players. And for talented individuals aspiring to reach the top of the game, the ITF, its na ons and affiliated regional associa ons play a unique and cri cal role at the start of that journey. We work together to provide a compe on pathway through na onal, regional and interna onal tournaments – the essen al launchpad that propels the very best players up to the elite level. We support players in less represented na ons to reach the top er, so it is always exci ng to see men and women from these na ons making an impact in the professional game. Marcelo Arevalo broke new ground for El Salvador in 2024 by being named ITF World Champion in doubles, while Brazil's Joao Fonseca, the 2023 ITF Junior World Champion, transi oned rapidly to the elite. He is now inside the Top 60 and at 18 years old is an exci ng prospect. Alexandra Eala, a former junior world No. 2, earlier this year became the first player from the Philippines to reach the Top 60. Other success stories in 2024 include Gloriana Nahum, who became the first female player from Benin to win a Grand Slam match, and Edilson Rosa, who won Mozambique's first ITF junior singles tle for 30 years. New faces and na ons ensure our sport remains fresh, exci ng and inspira onal for all. We are delighted that tennis has gained 21 million new players since 2019, reflec ng both its enduring appeal and the success of our member na ons. Tennis is thriving around the world, but we do not underes mate the challenges that exist from other sports, culture and leisure ac vi es. Our ITF2024+4 strategy and our focus on digital transforma on is designed to keep our sport is in good shape for the next genera on, and we will con nue to work to ensure a healthy future for tennis. A thriving global sport Tennis in 2025 is followed by more than a billion people on television and online. The elite game is the third most popular sport globally for fan appeal, and a new genera on of superstars means that it is as storied and compelling as ever. By Kelly Fairweather, ITF Chief Execu ve Officer 07