Tennis’ governing bodies have launched the International Tennis Integrity Authority (ITIA) new website to improve communication, information and engagement between all stakeholders protecting integrity across all levels of the sport.
The formation of a new tennis integrity body was recommended by the Tennis Integrity Unit (TIU) independent report into match-fixing and athlete corruption published in 2018.
The damaging findings of the TIU panel’s two-year investigation called for drastic changes in how professional tennis is governed and structured to protect ‘vulnerable athletes’ from sports corruption.
2021 marks the official launch of the ITIA, formed and funded by the governing bodies of tennis major events and tours – the International Tennis Federation, ATP, WTA, Australian Open, French Open, Wimbledon and the US Open.
The ITIA will serve as an independent body monitoring professional tennis events and competitions, whilst also monitoring feeder tournaments to men and women’s pro tennis tours.
The new authority will be tasked with the investigation and prosecution of sports corruption cases across all professional bodies of the sport. It will also provide educational resources for athletes, officials and training staff on recognising corrupt activities.
The launch of the ITIA’s website (http://www.itia.tennis/) was marked as a critical development for the new organisation to promote deeper cooperation and collaboration across all levels of the sport.