ITF Celebrates Tennis Europe’s 50th Anniversary

This weekend at Roland Garros, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) joined national tennis federations from across the globe to mark the 50th anniversary of Tennis Europe. ITF President David Haggerty was among the guests at a special evening hosted by the French Tennis Federation.

The event paid tribute to Tennis Europe’s five-decade contribution to the development of tennis in the region. Founded on 31 May 1975, following two years of negotiations by the ‘European Working Group’, the organisation was born when representatives from 17 nations met at the Foro Italico in Rome with a shared vision of uniting European tennis.

French Tennis Federation President Gilles Moretton welcomed guests with a reflection on France’s strong support of Tennis Europe since its creation. Tennis Europe President Henrik Thorsøe Pedersen reinforced the organisation’s commitment to unity, development, and international pathways - principles that remain at the heart of its work and closely mirror the ITF’s global mission.

Former ITF and Tennis Europe President Francesco Ricci Bitti honoured the visionaries behind the organisation’s creation and acknowledged those unable to attend the celebration.

Today, Tennis Europe supports 51 member nations and continues to deliver a broad range of competitions and development initiatives. Many of these events offer young players their first taste of international competition, an essential part of the global pathway supported by the ITF.

The formalities were brought to a close by Tennis Europe Vice-President Florence Alix-Gravellier, who raised a toast to the next 50 years.

David Haggerty, ITF President, said: “It was a great honour to attend this event I am delighted to celebrate this important milestone for Tennis Europe. The ITF looks forward to continuing its close collaboration with Tennis Europe to grow the game worldwide.”