ITF signs MOU with International Blind Tennis Association

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) and the International Blind Tennis Association (IBTA) have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to advance global development and strengthen collaboration between the two organisations.

The MOU reflects a shared commitment to expanding access to tennis and ensuring the sport is inclusive and accessible for all, while growing opportunities for blind and visually impaired players of all ages and skill levels.

Through the agreement, the ITF will gain a deeper understanding of blind tennis’ structure, regulations, classification systems, and long-term development needs. At the same time, the IBTA will benefit from the ITF’s expertise in governance, development, and the advancement of other disability tennis variations, such as wheelchair tennis.

Furthering a key pillar of the ITF’s 2024+4 strategy - ‘opportunity’ - which focuses on making tennis a sport for everyone, the agreement underlines the organisation’s commitment to supporting growth across all forms of the sport. It also reinforces the ITF’s ongoing work with organisations representing different tennis variations to explore new opportunities for participation and playing pathways.

The MOU also supports IBTA’s efforts, as the global body responsible for blind and visually impaired tennis, by increasing worldwide participation, standardising adaptive equipment, and aligning classification regulations with international standards such as IBSA and IPC. 

This development underlines the ITF’s dedication to understanding and developing all disability tennis formats and represents the beginning of a valued collaboration with the IBTA to advance long-term growth, sustainability and opportunities for blind and visually impaired players globally