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I first came across the ITN Number at an ITF workshop in Dubai last October. Since then, this has been doing the rounds and a lot of players both professional and recreational are curious to know what the ITN number stands for and what it is all about.

The ITF’s ITN number mission statement is
“to create, utilize and promote an international tennis rating system that will help grow all levels of competitive tennis participation world-wide”

The most relevant example of a global rating system in sports is the golf handicap. In tennis, though not widely used, there is a rating system in the Great Britain, France and USA, independent of each other and following a different number pattern and in my view extremely complicated. The ITN number is an endeavor to bring skill levels under one rating system world-wide. Under the ITN system players will be rated from ITN-1 to ITN-10. ITN-1 represents a high level player, a professional with an ATP/WTA ranking or equivalent playing standard and at the other end of the scale an ITN-10 represents a beginner just starting out on the game.

To help you understand this better here is a concise summary of the ten ITN categories:

ITN-1
This player has had intensive training for national tournament competition at the Junior and Senior levels. Holds or is capable of holding an ATP/WTA ranking and major source of income is through tournament prize money.

ITN-2
This player has developed power and or consistency as a major weapon. Can vary strategies and styles of play in a competitive situation.

ITN-3
This player has good shot anticipation and frequently has an outstanding shot or attribute around which a game may be structured. Can regularly hit winners and force errors off short balls. Can put away volleys and smashes and impart spin on second serves.

ITN-4
This player has begun to master the use of power and spin and is beginning to handle pace. Has sound footwork. Can control depth of shots and is beginning to vary game plan according to opponents. Can hit first serves with power and can place second serves.

ITN-5
This player has dependable strokes, including directional control and depth on both ground strokes and on moderate shots. Has the ability to use lobs, approach shots and volleys with some success.

This should give you an idea of the rating system envisaged by the ITF. Whether it succeeds in its objective or not is anybody’s guess. The question that arises is who would do the rating on players and I have no clue on this aspect.


Nonetheless, players can self-rate themselves on the guidelines provided. Start at the bottom on ITN-10 and fit yourself on the ITN number that describes you best. If you are concerned about your own analysis, seek the help of your coach or a comrade who can provide a more honest insight about your game. In my opinion, this can be used as a powerful motivational tool to analyze, improve and steadily climb up the ladder.