Is the ITF Committed to Elevating Tennis in India?
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Bengaluru, Feb 18 (NationPress) During his recent visit to Bengaluru for the ongoing ITF Women’s Open W100 Bengaluru 2026, Andrew Moss, Executive Director of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour & Data Rights, expressed his enthusiasm for the future of tennis in India and its potential to become a tennis powerhouse.
"India is a vast country with a rich tennis history and immense potential in terms of skill. This visit has been fruitful as we collaborate with AITA and regional state associations to devise plans for further enhancing the sport in the near future. There is so much capacity here, and we are eager to work with various Indian organizations to turn that potential into reality," he stated after a meeting with officials.
Moss engaged with representatives from the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) to explore ways to host more ITF World Tennis Tour events in Bengaluru. The focus was on creating additional prospects for Indian athletes and fortifying the tennis framework in the area.
Praising the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, Moss remarked, "This is my second visit to Bangalore. I was here a couple of years back, and it’s wonderful to have the W100 here for the second consecutive year. The facilities are exceptional, and I've received great feedback from players regarding the high standards here. I’m thrilled to see how this tournament unfolds this week."
Regarding the significance of the competition in the larger ecosystem, Moss stated, "The World Tennis Tour serves as the vital pathway to the top. By hosting nearly 1,200 tournaments across 75 countries each year, it offers a structured progression for players from junior and entry-level events to the professional circuit. It’s crucial to have tournaments in as many countries as possible."
In recent months, the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium has welcomed several prominent events, including the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1, and numerous ITF competitions.
Moss emphasized the role of international team events in fostering interest in the sport, citing India’s recent performance in the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 as an example.
"When players compete as a team representing their country, they often achieve extraordinary feats. The atmosphere is remarkable, and everything I've observed indicates that these events are catalyzing greater interest in tennis here. Therefore, they are fundamental to the growth of tennis in emerging nations," he elaborated.