The International Tennis Federation will change its name to World Tennis from 2026, following an overwhelming majority vote from its member national tennis associations in favor of the proposal at the ITF’s annual general meeting on Thursday, which will be held virtually this year.
After more than 110 years of proud history as the ITF, I am truly excited about our future as World Tennis as we continue to grow our contribution to the development of the game in every corner of the world. World Tennis better reflects who we are today; the global governing body and guardian of tennis, working hard with our members to provide tennis for life. David Haggerty, ITF Chairman
The name change, recommended by the ITF Board and Executive Board, is intended to better reflect the organization’s role as a global governing body and custodian of the sport, as well as the essential role it plays together with member states to grow and develop tennis worldwide.
The name World Tennis was chosen following an extensive period of research and interviews with sport stakeholders, who confirmed the need for a name that more effectively reflects the organisation’s scale of role and relevance to the tennis ecosystem through its 213 member national associations.
The change will create a clearer identity that is more relevant to players, fans, partners and tennis stakeholders around the world, and aligns the brand with a majority of the sport’s most prominent global governing bodies.
The name change is part of a gradual evolution of the organization’s brand, which has made progress in recent years with the growth of sub-brands such as the World Tennis Tour and World Tennis Number.
It is also part of a long-term strategy that aims to drive greater involvement, recognition and investment across all areas of tennis – from grassroots participation to elite competition.
ITF
“After more than 110 years of proud history as the ITF, I am truly excited about our future as World Tennis as we continue to grow our contribution to the development of the game in every corner of the world,” said David Haggerty, ITF President. “World Tennis better reflects who we are today; the global governing body and guardian of tennis, working hard with our members to deliver tennis for life.
“This evolution follows extensive consultation within the global tennis community and reflects our shared ambition to strengthen, unite and grow the game globally. We look forward to unveiling our new identity and broader plans in the coming months.”
Founded as the International Lawn Tennis Federation in Paris in 1913, the organization became the International Tennis Federation in 1977.
The ITF trading name will be updated on January 1, 2026 and the new World Tennis brand will be launched in summer 2026 as part of a phased rollout plan.
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