By Richard Pagliaro | Thursday, October 16, 2025
Photo: International Tennis Federation
One of tennis’ most historic governing bodies is renaming.
of International Tennis Federation announced today that it will end a 110-year tradition and change its name to World Tennis in the year 2026.
The ITF said the change came after an “overwhelming majority vote by its national tennis associations”.
So why switch from ITF to World Tennis?
The ITF says its rebranding to simplify and accurately reflect its role “as the sport’s global governing and custodian body, as well as the essential role it plays together with member countries to grow and develop tennis around the world”.
“The change will provide a clearer identity that is more relevant to tennis players, fans, partners and stakeholders around the world and brings the brand in line with most of the sport’s most prominent global bodies,” the ITF said. “The name change is part of a gradual evolution of the organization’s brand, which has progressed in recent years with the growth of sub-brands such as World Tennis Tour and World Tennis Number.”
Although it is a traditional tennis organization, the ITF has embraced some progressive changes in recent years. He changed the Fed Cup title to the Billie Jean King Cup. In partnership with Kosmos, the ITF installed a radical reconstruction of the Davis Cup in an attempt to create a World Cup of tennis.
These changes prompted backlash from some captains, players and officials, prompting the ITF to eventually return to traditional Davis Cup matches leading up to its Davis Cup Final 8 format, set in Bologna, November 18-23.
“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 increase our contribution to the development of the game in all corners of the globe,” he said. ITF President David Haggerty.
“World Tennis better reflects who we are today; the global governing body and steward of tennis, working hard with our members to deliver tennis for life.
“This evolution follows extensive consultation across the global tennis community and reflects our shared ambition to strengthen, unite and grow the game worldwide. We look forward to unveiling our new identity and wider plans in the coming months.”
Founded as the International Tennis Federation in Paris in 1913, the organization became the International Tennis Federation in 1977.
