‘Stand up for progress’

On International Women's Day 2023, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has issued a call for men in leadership positions across tennis to play their part in its drive for gender equality in the sport by becoming Advantage All Male Allies.

The Men as Allies programme is a key element of the ITF Advantage All gender equality strategy, and ITF President Dave Haggerty has renewed his appeal for other male leaders and influencers in tennis to advocate for women in senior roles across leadership, coaching and officiating.

When pledging their support for the programme, Male Allies will be asked to make organisational and/or personal commitments that contribute to the Advantage All goals to provide equal opportunities for women and girls to reach their full potential, both on and off the court.​

Following the 2022 ITF AGM vote to introduce gender balance at ITF Board level from 2027, these commitments could include leading constitutional reform at national level to create a balanced Board, mentoring an upcoming leader, or encouraging talented women to step into leadership roles or pursue higher level professional certification.

As of December 2022, 85 of the ITF’s 213 member National Associations had pledged to champion change and advocate for gender equality. Today’s message from the ITF is a call to encourage more male leaders from across the sport to commit to this cause.

Dave Haggerty, ITF President, said: “The role of men cannot be underestimated. It is our combined duty and responsibility to work out the best way to redress gender imbalance. As an appointed UN ‘HeForShe’ Champion, I say to you it is time for all of us to start championing the champions. We invite male leaders across all aspects of tennis to become Advantage All Male Allies. Allies will be expected to commit to making a tangible and measurable contribution towards achieving Advantage All goals. By creating a pathway and a plan, you can ensure that as many opportunities are provided to women and girls as men and boys in all areas of our sport both on and off the court. Please join me as a Male Ally. Stand up for progress.” 

Launched on International Women’s Day 2020, the ITF Advantage All programme aims to develop and maintain tennis as an equal advantage sport.

To sign up for the Men as Allies programme contact AdvantageAll@itftennis.com

To find out more follow @ITFTennis on Twitter, @ITFTennis on Instagram or International Tennis Federation on Facebook.