The International Tennis Federation, the organisation that has governed tennis on a global basis since 1913, yesterday became World Tennis, and announced its vision for the long-term sustainable growth of the sport worldwide.

The transformation to World Tennis marks the start of a new era for the organisation. At the heart of its ambition for the future success of one of the world’s most popular sports, World Tennis is promised to unlock a ‘world of opportunities’ for people of all abilities, ages and backgrounds – both on and off the court, an official statement from the organisation stated.

In an open letter co-signed by World Tennis President David Haggerty and World Tennis Chief Executive Officer Ross Hutchins, the organisation pledged to reinvest back into the game at least 85 percent of all income it generates each year for the next decade — empowering its 214 national tennis associations — and committed to drive collaboration across the sport.

World Tennis has outlined five strategic priorities to achieve its ambition for tennis: growing participation; powering future stars;  strengthening official nations competitions like the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup and World Team Cup events; ensuring a sport fit for the future and raising investment to grow the game.

World Tennis also revealed its goal for the sport to achieve ambitious new levels of global participation, targeting strong growth in the numbers playing tennis worldwide from 106 million players to 140 million by 2035 — an increase of more than 30 percent.

WT President Haggerty said: “Today is an opportunity to redefine our role at the heart of world tennis and pledge our commitment to ensuring a strong, sustainable future for this brilliant sport. World Tennis reflects who we are, our global footprint and unique mandate.

“Our ambition is to grow the game in all corners of the world, hand-in-hand with 214 national tennis associations and stakeholders across the tennis ecosystem. This includes increasing participation, further developing the pathway for future stars to rise to the top, and providing more access, regardless of age, gender or background.”

Ross Hutchins, World Tennis Chief Executive, said: “Tennis can unlock a world of opportunities both on and off the court, no matter who or where you are. This is at the very heart of our role at World Tennis, where our responsibilities are just as relevant to a world number one as to the child who hasn’t yet picked up a racket.”

World Tennis has also launched the first-ever Global Tennis Fan Survey — an open invitation to fans and tennis communities in every country to share their views and ensure their voices are heard as the sport evolves in the years ahead.