INTERNATIONAL
TENNIS FEDERATION
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) is the world governing body of tennis. This organization is responsible for overseeing the administration and regulation, organization of international competition, and the structure, development, and promotion of the game. The ITF, alongside its six Regional Affiliates, regulates the game of tennis through its some 200 affiliated National Associates.
In 1977, the ITF created the Junior World Ranking Circuit, which linked nine of the major junior events. Today, the ITF has more than 400 tournament is 121 countries, including the four major junior Grand Slams: Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon, and US Open.
Tournaments are grouped by ‘grade’, which range from Grade A to Grade 5. Grade A is considered the highest category and consists of the four junior Grand Slam tournaments. ADVERTISEMENT Following Grade A are Grades 1-5, and Grade 5 is considered the lowest category of ITF junior tournaments.
In order to participate in ITF events, junior players are required to have an International Player Identification Number (IPIN).
