- The International Tennis Federation (ITF) has increased Kazakhstan’s voting allocation from seven to nine – a move described as ‘rightful’ by Bulat Utemuratov.
- This places Kazakhstan in the ITF’s second-highest membership tier, alongside Italy, Spain, Canada, Switzerland, China and Japan
- The decision, supported by 91% of delegates, reflects Kazakhstan’s success in tennis development and participation
Photo Credit: Kazakshtan Tennis Federation
Astana, Kazakhstan – 22 October 2025: Kazakhstan has recently been recognised among the world’s top tennis nations. This news was announced by The Kazakhstan Tennis Federation (KTF). The International Tennis Federation (ITF) made the decision to increase the country’s voting control from seven to nine votes at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year.
“Kazakhstan has joined the ranks of world’s strongest tennis powers” – Bulat Utemuratov
The verdict, supported by 91% of delegates representing 200 national federations, elevates Kazakhstan to the second-highest of the ITF’s six membership levels, together with leading tennis countries. These include Italy, Czechia, Canada, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, China and Japan. By moving to nine votes, Kazakhstan is now one of a select group of around 15 countries at the ITF’s second-highest influence level. Voting allocations are incredibly important to determine each federation’s formal influence on tennis development worldwide.
Bulat Utemuratov, President of the Kazakhstan Tennis Federation, said:
“The international assembly of national tennis federations has increased Kazakhstan’s votes on the strength of an independent assessment of tennis development in our country, our junior results, senior national team results, participation base and infrastructure. Kazakhstan has rightfully joined the ranks of the world’s strongest tennis powers.”
Tennis participation in Kazakhstan
Currently, there are more than 17,500 children who regularly train and compete countrywide. There are over 250 competitions staged in the country every year, including 40+ international events.
There is continued investment in inclusive pathways such as wheelchair tennis which has developed greatly. National squads compete consistently across the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup. Helpfully, Kazakhstan provides world-class services and hosts events that strengthen both elite and grassroots performance within tennis.
