ITF Executive Director Advocates for Doubling Tennis Tournaments in India
Bengaluru: Andrew Moss, the executive director of the ITF World Tennis Tour, is currently on a tour across India, engaging with key tennis hubs to assess and promote the sport's growth. His itinerary included a stop in Pune for the ITF W75 women's event on Friday, followed by a visit to Bengaluru on Saturday ahead of the W100 Women's Open. Moss emphasizes that player feedback is crucial for the tour's advancement, stating, "Without player feedback, it would be a much more difficult and blind task to manage the tour." Despite a hectic schedule, he took time to discuss strategies for expanding tennis into smaller towns and the global allocation of events.
Expanding Tournament Numbers in India
Last year, India hosted 20 ITF men's and women's tournaments. When asked about an ideal number for the country, Moss highlighted significant room for growth, particularly at the entry-level W15 and M15 events. "For W15, M15 events, the entry level of professional tennis, I think there's room for growth in India, no question," he said. He noted that at higher levels like W100 and W75, considerations shift to a regional basis, but if demand and player readiness exist in India, the ITF would be enthusiastic about supporting expansion.
Pushed for a specific target, Moss suggested, "If India was to double the number of tournaments, I think that would be a great interim goal, because I think there is clearly the availability of venues and demand from the players." This ambitious vision underscores the potential for India to become a more prominent player on the global tennis circuit.
Factors in Tournament Allocation and Gender Parity
Moss outlined key factors the ITF considers when allocating tournaments worldwide. One primary aspect is the level of players and addressing underrepresented regions, with India cited as a prime example. He stressed a commitment to gender parity, stating, "Our view is that there should be more women’s tournaments. Tennis is a sport that at every level, it should be promoting gender parity. Whatever opportunities exist for men, we would be determined to create the same level of opportunities for women too." This focus aims to balance opportunities and foster inclusivity in the sport.
Taking Tennis to Smaller Towns: Impact and Passion
Discussing the impact of bringing tennis to smaller towns, Moss shared examples from recent events. "We had a men's event in Kalaburagi (M25, Nov 2024). There were around 1,500 people who attended the final of a men's event in Kalaburagi," he noted. He also praised Mysuru as a venue where people show genuine interest and passion for tennis. "Yes, it's good to take events to new places to get that passion. It also creates its own publicity," he added. While acknowledging cricket's dominance, similar to football in the UK, Moss observed, "But what I can see from my visit here, there's a real place for tennis." This grassroots approach helps build local engagement and long-term support for the sport.
Growth of the ITF W100 in Bengaluru
Reflecting on the evolution of the ITF W100 event in Bengaluru, Moss reported highly positive feedback from players regarding hospitality, facilities, and court maintenance. "This tournament started as a W50 event and now for the last two years, this year included, it's a W100," he explained. The upgrade means the winner now earns 100 points and $100,000 in prize money, a significant boost that enhances the event's prestige. Moss expressed hope for continued collaboration with the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) to maintain and even elevate standards, ensuring Bengaluru remains a key destination on the tour.
