Andrew Moss, Executive Director of the International Tennis Federation (ITF) World Tennis Tour & Data Rights, has reiterated the ITF’s commitment to expanding tennis in India during his visit to the KPB Trust ITF Women’s Open W100 Bengaluru 2026.
Moss, who was in Bengaluru to oversee the ongoing ITF World Tennis Tour event, met with officials from the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA) to explore plans aimed at bringing more ITF tournaments to the city. The discussions focused on strengthening the competitive pathway for Indian players and consolidating Bengaluru’s growing reputation as a key hub for international tennis in the country.
Speaking during his visit, Moss highlighted India’s immense untapped potential in the sport.
“India is a huge country with a rich tennis history and enormous potential in terms of skill and talent,” Moss said. “This trip has been particularly encouraging because we’re working closely with the All India Tennis Association (AITA) and regional state associations to put plans in place to further grow the game in the near future. There is so much potential here, and we want to work with the various Indian bodies to turn that potential into reality.”
Expanding the Tournament Pathway
Central to the discussions was the possibility of increasing the number of ITF World Tennis Tour events in Bengaluru and across India. Moss underlined the significance of hosting tournaments at different tiers to ensure Indian players gain access to ranking points and international competition without always having to travel abroad.
“The World Tennis Tour is the essential pathway the main artery to the top of the professional game,” Moss explained. “We host nearly 1,200 tournaments annually across 75 countries. It provides a structured progression route from junior events and entry-level professional tournaments all the way to the highest levels of the sport. It is extremely important that we have tournaments in as many countries as possible.”
For Indian players, especially those transitioning from junior to professional tennis, a stronger domestic calendar could prove decisive in bridging performance gaps and improving global rankings.
Bengaluru’s Rising Status
Moss also praised the infrastructure and organisational standards at the SM Krishna Tennis Stadium, which is hosting the W100 event for the second consecutive year.
“This is my second time in Bengaluru. I was here a couple of years ago as well. It’s great to see the W100 back here. The facilities are fantastic, and we’ve received excellent feedback from players regarding the high standards of organisation. I’m very excited to see how the tournament unfolds this week,” he said.
In recent months, the venue has hosted several high-profile competitions, including the Billie Jean King Cup Play-offs, the Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 tie, and multiple ITF events. Such consistency in hosting international tournaments has positioned Bengaluru as one of India’s leading tennis centres.
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Beyond the individual pathway, Moss emphasised the transformative role of international team competitions in building fan engagement and inspiring the next generation.
Referring to India’s recent Davis Cup Qualifiers Round 1 triumph earlier this month, he noted how national representation elevates performance levels and generates broader interest.
“When you have a team competition, players are representing their country. As we saw recently, it means players can produce extraordinary performances when they are playing for their nation,” Moss said. “The atmosphere created around such events becomes a catalyst for greater interest in tennis.” He added that team events like the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup are particularly vital in developing nations, where sport often relies on emotional connection and national pride to expand its footprint.
“I think these events are fundamental to the growth of tennis in emerging countries. They create visibility, excitement, and belief. That energy then feeds back into the grassroots and professional structures.”
Moss’s visit signals more than a routine inspection of an ITF event; it reflects a broader strategic alignment between the ITF and Indian tennis administrators. With India’s deep talent pool and expanding tournament base, there is increasing optimism that sustained collaboration can elevate the country’s standing in global tennis.
While challenges remain particularly in converting junior promise into consistent professional success the reinforcement of the competitive pathway and international exposure could prove decisive.
For now, the ongoing W100 event in Bengaluru serves as both a showcase of India’s organisational capabilities and a stepping stone for players aiming to climb the global rankings. With ITF backing and growing domestic momentum, the roadmap for Indian tennis appears increasingly structured and ambitious.
As Moss concluded, the objective is clear: transform potential into performance and performance into sustained international presence.
