Recently, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has been in the news due to a lawsuit filed by prominent tennis professionals, including former world No. 1 Novak Djokovic, and hedge fund manager Bill Ackman. The plaintiffs allege that the ITF and other governing bodies are operating a cartel that restricts prize money and limits players' off-court earnings. This legal action highlights ongoing tensions within the sport regarding financial distribution and player rights.
Founded in 1913 as the International Lawn Tennis Federation, the ITF serves as the global governing body for tennis, wheelchair tennis, and beach tennis. It was established by twelve national associations and has since grown to include over 200 member nations. The ITF is responsible for overseeing international competitions, including the Davis Cup and Fed Cup, and plays a crucial role in the development and promotion of tennis worldwide. In 2016, it rebranded to its current name to reflect its broader scope beyond traditional lawn tennis.