(ATR) ITF president David Haggerty says the new system is "a significant and positive change" to strengthen participation in regional events.
There will be six continental qualification places for both the men’s and women’s singles events at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Already approved by the IOC Executive Board, they are part of the Tokyo 2020 qualification system for tennis due to be released by the IOC in the coming weeks.
The 2020 Olympic tennis event will once again feature five disciplines: men’s singles and doubles, women’s singles and doubles, and mixed doubles. Each singles draw will comprise 64 players, with a maximum of four players per nation.
There will be 56 direct entries as at previous Games, and eight ITF berths, including the six continental qualification slots.
For the first time in Olympic history, players have a chance to earn their place at the Tokyo Games through success at one of the regional multi-sport events, including the 2018 Asian Games and 2019 African and Pan American Games.
One place will also be awarded to the highest ranked man and woman in both Europe and Oceania from a country not yet represented in singles.
ITF president Haggerty said the revamp will not only help strengthen participation in the regional multisport Games but also provide opportunities for additional nations to compete at the Olympics.
"This initiative forms part of our commitment under the ITF 2024 strategy to secure mutually beneficial partnerships, and we look forward to working with our regional associations to ensure successful implementation," he added.
Fifty-six nations took part in the tennis tournament at the Rio 2016 Olympics, with Andy Murray and Monica Puig winning the singles gold medals.
Reported by Mark Bisson
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