The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has said that they are currently in the process of creating ‘additional measures’ to help support those affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
All tournaments overseen by the governing body have been suspended since March due to the pandemic until at least July 31st. Leaving players unable to make a living through the prize money they would have won at those events. The ITF oversees the lower-level events that many junior players use as a transition into the professional circuit. They are also in charge of the Davis Cup, Fed Cup and the Olympic tennis tournament.
The full details of the measures are set to be revealed on June 2nd following an ITF board meeting. Although it has been confirmed that a fund will be set up to help players ranked between 501 and 700 in the world who are not covered under other relief programs. Earlier this month it was announced that a $6 million fund has been set up to support an estimated 800 lower-ranked players providing they meet certain criteria. That fund was created by the ITF, WTA, ATP and all four of the Grand Slam tournaments.
“We are doing everything within our power to ensure that the talented players climbing the ITF pathway receive the support they need and continue their development during these uncertain times,” ITF President David Haggerty said in a statement.
“Many professionals and organizations in the tennis world have been significantly impacted by this hiatus in our sport due to COVID-19. It’s not a simple blanket approach and this takes time. The ITF is reviewing all feasible and appropriate options to provide support where it is most needed amongst our different stakeholders.”
It is unclear as to how the ITF fund will differ from the previous one setup or if there will be similar rules regarding the eligibility criteria. In relation to the $6 million fund, if a player has made more than a certain amount over the past year they are not eligible to receive money. To add to the complexity of the system, both the ATP and WTA have their own criteria.
The ITF’s pledged comes a month after they announced a ‘job protection scheme’ at the organisation where top officials would be receiving a pay cut during the pandemic. ITF chief Haggerty has taken a 30% reduction in his salary and other senior members of the ITF has taken a 20% cut.
131 male and 90 female professional tennis players have made more than $100,000 in prize money earnings so far in 2020.
