Türkiye, Kenya, USA and Croatia win ITF Advantage All Awards 2025
The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has announced the winners of the 2025 ITF Advantage All Awards, celebrating national associations leading the way in driving gender equality across tennis.
Now in its fourth year, the Advantage All Reward and Recognition Programme recognises nations that have made exceptional strides in advancing the ITF’s Gender Equality Strategy. This year’s winners are:
Gold Award: Türkiye
The Türkiye Tennis Federation (TTF) has been awarded Gold for its strategic and long-term approach to advancing gender equality and leadership opportunities for women. Led by one of only two female presidents across all Turkish sports federations, the TTF launched a new Equal Opportunities Advantage All Committee and a comprehensive Committee Strategy (2025–2028). The plan includes an Executive Board Linkage and Mentorship Programme, targeted leadership workshops, and proactive gender-balance policies for future committee nominations.
Supported by a $5,000 award, Türkiye will continue building on its inclusive tennis culture, recognised for its clear vision, structured implementations and lasting cultural impact.
Silver Award: Kenya
Tennis Kenya has received the Silver Award for its transformative officiating project aimed at increasing the number of qualified female officials through university engagement, mentorship, and policy reform.
Kenya now has 15 ITF-registered women officials - the highest in Africa - including three certified ITF White Badge officials. Female Kenyan officials have since officiated at Wimbledon, Roland Garros, Davis Cup, and Billie Jean King Cup by Gainbridge events, positioning the nation among Africa’s top four for female officiating. The Silver award comes with a $4,000 contribution, supporting Kenya’s continued development of officiating pathways and expand mentoring opportunities for women in sport.
Bronze Awards: USA and Croatia
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has been recognised for its impactful leadership and development initiatives empowering women throughout the sport.
Its ‘Women on the Rise’ event celebrates emerging female leaders, fostering mentorship and visibility for the next generation.
Key achievements include:
- 49% of national staff are women (as of July 2025)
- 54% of national volunteers for the 2025–26 term are women
- 58% of 2025 staff promotions went to women
- 47% of the USTA National Board comprises women
The Croatian Tennis Association (CTA) has been acknowledged for its collaborative officiating development programme, providing mentorship, education, and regional training for women officials.
National webinars and workshops have supported young officials, with joint sessions involving Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Slovenia, and North Macedonia, led by Gold Badge umpires. The project has strengthened officiating standards and regional collaboration, with plans to expand digital engagement and mentoring in 2026.
Both the USTA and CTA will each receive a $3,000 contribution.
Highly Commended: Ireland
Tennis Ireland has been commended for its cross-sport collaboration, uniting tennis, badminton, squash, and table tennis to create leadership opportunities for women. Through two Women in Racket Sports Days (2024–2025), participants engaged in workshops, talks, and practical sessions. Tennis Ireland will receive a $1,000 commendation.
ITF President, Dave Haggerty, said: “Congratulations to all our Advantage All Award Winners and nominees. Each have shown remarkable leadership and creativity in advancing gender equality across tennis. It’s inspiring to see national associations turning commitment into real, measurable change - from leadership pathways and officiating development to inclusive governance and cultural progress. As we continue to build a sport that reflects equality at every level, these nations are setting a powerful example of what collaboration, innovation and determination can achieve.”
Turkish Tennis Federation President, Ms. Şafak Müderrisgil, said: “Receiving the ITF Advantage All Gold Award is a momentous recognition for the Turkish Tennis Federation and for our nation. This award strongly validates our commitment to women's empowerment and inclusivity by ensuring that every girl, child and woman, regardless of background, has access to tennis. It confirms that our strategy to embed strong female leadership and grow the sport from the grassroots is effective and globally recognised. We believe that empowering women and promoting an inclusive culture are essential foundations for the future success of Turkish sport.''
Tennis Kenya, said: "We are excited at this recognition that affirms what we have always believed, that opportunity changes everything. When women in Kenya are trained and supported as officials, they gain more than badges and certification; they gain confidence, credibility, and the means to earn a living. That empowerment flows into families, inspires young girls watching from the stands, and strengthens our sport from the ground up. This award is a tribute to every woman who is bold and courageous and has stepped forward and to every man who has stood beside her to make inclusion in tennis a lived reality."
Croatian Tennis Association, said: "This award is a proud moment for Croatian tennis and a meaningful acknowledgment of our commitment to advancing gender equity in our sport. For the Croatian Tennis Association, it reinforces the importance of creating inclusive pathways for women and girls not only as athletes, but as leaders, coaches, and officials. This recognition reflects our dedication to excellence, development, and innovation, and stands as a testament to the strength and passion of Croatian tennis on the global stage. As a nation, we are proud to contribute to a broader movement that understands true progress in tennis must be shared, collaborative, and inclusive. This award inspires us to keep building a tennis culture where everyone has the opportunity to thrive."
Tennis Ireland, said: "Tennis Ireland are honoured to receive the ITF Advantage All Highly Commended Award for the second year in a row, in recognition of our ongoing commitment to gender equality in tennis. It is a great source of pride to be recognised by the ITF on the world stage, as we continue our efforts to make tennis an equitable and inclusive sport for women and girls across the island of Ireland."