The new esports initiative can be played on Tennis Clash, a popular mobile tennis game.

The World Tennis eChamipionship will also see the Future of Tennis String upgrade, with revenue from purchases set to benefit young tennis players.

While the debut event started today, more have been planned for November and December and into next year.

"We are delighted to continue our partnership with Wildlife Studios by launching the World Tennis eChampionship in Tennis Clash today," Kelly Fairweather, ITF chief executive, said.

"We have already seen the delivery of several successful events in the game over the last two years, and we are sure that the World Tennis eChampionship will prove hugely popular.

"We are confident that the partnership helps to introduce more people to our sport and promote the ITF’s mission to deliver tennis for future generations."

Tennis Clash can be downloaded via the App Store and Google Play.

In 2021, the governing body joined forces with Wildlife Studios to create the Billie Jean King Cup mobile game.

It hosted two editions of Billie Jean King Cup in 2021 and 2022 and also served as the platform for the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore in June.

"Our connection with the International Tennis Federation continues to be strengthened between Tennis Clash and the real sport of tennis by not only bringing recognizable and official brands to the game, but by truly supporting the sport," Felipe Medes, Tennis Clash game manager, said.

"We are absolutely elated to provide resources to the next generation of tennis players with every purchase of the 'Future of Tennis' string."