The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has increased the number of women’s tournaments it will host in the first quarter of 2023 to 114, with a record $3.3 million for players as part of its commitment to gender equality.
Women’s events scheduled from January 1 to March 30 are 15 times higher than in 2022, with a new W40 competition tier worth $40,000 in prize money that boosts tournaments above $15,000 and $25,000 entry category to 150. that the total prize pool of the 2023 ITF Women’s World Tennis Tour – which offers entry- and intermediate-level tournaments – would also increase by 10% to a record $16.5 million.
The total prize pool of $3.3 million on offer in the first quarter represents a 25% increase over the same period in 2022 and a 50% increase over 2019, it said. Two-time Grand Slam singles champion Mary Pierce, who serves on the ITF’s board of directors and chairs the women’s panel, said the organization is committed to gender equality and inclusion at all levels worldwide.
“We’ve put a lot of focus on this through our Advantage All commitment, designed to develop tennis as an equal opportunity sport,” Pierce said in a statement.
“That has led to a lot of investment, decisions and action in the professional game, including the creation of the W40 category of tournaments announced today.
“We have also worked hard to structure a calendar of opportunities for men and women on the ITF World Tennis Tour that makes playing and touring easier to plan and more cost-effective for our professional players, coaches and families.”
The calendar also features more than 100 events for men at the M15 and M25 level, with more than $2 million in prize money for the first time.