ITF suspends Russia, Belarus from ITF membership and team competition
ITF Statement
“The International Tennis Federation (ITF) condemns Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and its facilitation by Belarus. In addition to the cancellation of all ITF events in those countries, the ITF Board has today announced the immediate suspension of the Russian Tennis Federation (RTF) and Belarus Tennis Federation (BTF) from ITF membership and from participation in ITF international team competition until further notice.
The ITF remains in close contact with the Ukraine Tennis Federation and stands in solidarity with the people of Ukraine.”
More information
Does this mean Russian and Belarusian tennis players are banned from competing?
- Players from Russia and Belarus will continue to be allowed to compete in international tennis events as individuals. However, they will not compete under the name or flag of Russia or Belarus until further notice.
- The suspension is for an indefinite period, but Russia and Belarus have been withdrawn from or are ineligible to compete in all 2022 ITF international team competitions
Which team competitions will this include in 2022?
DAVIS CUP AND BILLIE JEAN KING CUP
- Davis Cup World Group I Play-off: Belarus v Mexico 4-5 March
- Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier: Belarus v Belgium 14-15 April
- Both RTF teams had qualified for the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup Finals as 2021 champions
WHEELCHAIR
World Team Cup – Qualification event – Antalya, Turkey – 17-21 March
World Team Cup – World Group event – Vilamoura, Portugal – 2-8 May
SENIORS
Seniors & Super Seniors World Team Championships – w/c 26 April
Young Seniors World Team Championships - w/c 1 August
JUNIORS
Tennis Europe European Summer Cups – used as qualification events for World Junior Tennis (14U) and Junior DC/BJKC (16U)
BEACH
Beach Tennis World Cup – Rio, Brazil – 7-13 November