ERSA Pro Stringer Magazine 4 - 2019 prostringer 4 -2019 web | Page 12

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INDUSTRY NEWS
their quest to compete on the WTA Tour.”
David Haggerty, ITF President said, “Collaborating further with the ATP and WTA, our goal is to
ensure the professional pathway from juniors to professional tennis is fi t for purpose. It is vital that
players have the opportunity to play and progress and nations can aff ord to host events in their
countries at both professional and transitional levels. These additional reforms to the pathway will
further strengthen the new structure introduced in 2019, that in turn will create a true professional
group of players, increase playing opportunities at all levels of the game, and help widen the num-
ber of nations hosting professional tournaments so that tennis can remain a truly global sport.”
Chris Kermode, ATP Executive Chairman and President, said: “We are pleased to have reached
this agreement with the ITF which we believe will lead to signifi cant enhancements to the player
pathway and the way in which the ITF World Tennis Tour links to the ATP Challenger Tour. Struc-
tural reform has been necessary as we look to increase opportunities and achieve a balanced
calendar for the sport. We will continue to closely monitor the latest changes to ensure that they
are working as designed for the players, and for the benefi t of the sport as a whole.”
In summary:
Allocation of ATP and WTA ranking points across the ITF World Tennis Tour will provide one rank-
ing system for men’s and women’s professional tennis and a smoother transition for players who
will move up the system due to their achievements on court
There will be three reserved places in ITF $15,000 tournaments for ITF top 100-ranked juniors; no
reserved places will be off ered at any other level
Doubles acceptance at $15,000 tournaments is amended, to be based on a player’s singles or
doubles ranking, whichever is higher, with no requirement to have been accepted into the Singles
competition, and therefore opening up opportunities to more players
Subject to consultation with National Associations and key stakeholders, a new more aff ordable
level of development tournament is currently under review for introduction below the ITF World
Tennis Tour, between $15,000 tournaments and the ITF Junior Circuit, to ensure players from as
many countries as possible have the opportunity to join the player pathway. These tournaments
will off er ITF ranking points and enable all players, including those from college tennis and other
pathways, to progress to professional tournaments based on results.
The ITF World Tennis Tour is a long-term project to secure the future of professional tennis. The
ITF, ATP and the WTA have worked closely to deliver a comparable model for both men and
women and will continue to monitor and adjust to ensure the optimal structure is provided. The ITF
Board has approved these measures following consultation with the ATP and WTA, Player Repre-
sentatives, and acknowledging feedback from ITF National Associations, tournaments, coaches
and players.
Fed Cup by BNP Paribas semi-fi nals: France will host Romania in
Rouen at the 5,210 capacity Kindarena, while Belarus travels to the Pat Rafter Arena in Brisbane,
Australia.
The World Group play-off matches all see European teams in action: In Group 1 top seeds Czech
republic host Canada, Switzerland travels to the USA, Latvia host Germany and Belgium host
Spain.
Group II sees Russia host Italy, the Dutch team travels to Japan,
Great Britain hosts Kazakhstan and Slovakia hosts Brazil.
All ties to be played during the weekend of 21- 22 April.
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ERSA PRO STRINGER // ISSUE 4-2019