The ITIA Aces Anti-Doping Prevention and Accountability With RealResponse
The ITIA Aces Anti-Doping Prevention and Accountability With RealResponse
The International Tennis Integrity Agency (ITIA) was established in 2021 as the independent body responsible for promoting and safeguarding integrity across global tennis events. In a short five-year span, the organization has built a robust infrastructure for managing all anti-doping and anti-corruption programs across the four Grand Slams, the International Tennis Federation, and more.
The ITIA’s work is defined by constant innovation and a radically empathetic, player-first approach. Among the organization’s 2027 strategic priorities are a focus on multi-channel education to promote good decision-making, and a commitment to listening and learning across the sport.
“There's a lot of different pressures on athletes,” says Karen Moorhouse, ITIA CEO. “When we're putting together programs, it’s our job to make sure we're using the right channels to get to people where they are.”
In 2025, ITIA partnered with RealResponse to launch The Line, a two-way, anonymous messaging platform to give the entire tennis community an accessible way to have their voices heard.
Setting a new baseline for education and accountability
The ITIA’s north star is prevention, which is why they invest heavily in both broad and targeted education programs for more than 10,000 professional players, at all stages of their careers. With such a vast group, it's impossible to have 1:1 face time with everyone. The Line offers a frictionless way for anyone involved in tennis to get individualized assistance.
“We always talk about the fact that no one picks up that tennis racket at the age of three intending to corrupt the sport or cheat their way to success. We want to make sure we're doing everything we can to support players’ decision-making, to make sure they're in the best possible place to comply with the rules. The Line gives people that direct route to talk to us and get that help.”
Prior to The Line, the ITIA had other methods of capturing athletes’ concerns and compliance questions. But internal research revealed that players needed something more accessible—and private—to encourage them to come forward. Now, players, officials, coaches, agents, and beyond can communicate with the ITIA via WhatsApp, with or without disclosing their identity.
The Line also gives ITIA leadership another avenue for identifying and investigating potential infractions. “Any intelligence we get through this channel will be considered by our intelligence and investigations unit, which means we're in a position to take appropriate action in relation to anyone deliberately breaching the rules,” explains Moorhouse. “That’s necessary to make sure that we're protecting the vast majority of players who are clean and complying with the rules of the sport.”
Even when noncompliance is detected, athletes can rely on the ITIA. The organization is piloting a new program to provide pro bono legal support, financial assistance for contamination testing, and counseling to players facing potential doping or corruption charges.
Serving 1:1 guidance across the tennis community
Initial results from the first few months of adoption prove that ITIA members have been quick to embrace The Line.
From September 2025 through March 2026, the organization has had more than 200 separate conversations from over 125 users representing a cross-section of the tennis world. More than half of inbound messages came from players, with agents, officials, family members, and tournament staff also in the mix.
How The Line Made a Big Impact in a Short Window:
127 individual users
64.5% of communications submitted by players
25% of all communications have been anonymous
*Data reflects September 2025-March 2026
Having the option to omit personally identifiable details has notably lowered the barrier to reaching out. “The benefit of RealResponse is the flexibility, since it allows for people to come to us with their name or on an anonymous basis,” shares Moorhouse. “That gives them the confidence to ask the question or report their concern.”
As intended, The Line has become a resource for helping athletes clarify rules and avoid incidents altogether. Nearly two-thirds of the communications received in 2025 were related to anti-doping, including product information requests, whereabouts questions, and medication or supplement checks.
Moorhouse sees this trend as a positive development, and an important step toward the ITIA’s ultimate goal of prevention. “More than half of the sanctions we've issued have been for unintentional rule breaches. The fact that people can come directly to us and get advice should hopefully ensure that they’re mitigating that risk.”
An advantage on and off the court
The ITIA’s work proves how upholding sports integrity and advocating for athletes don’t have to be mutually exclusive. When players, coaches, and staff have equal access to the right support, everyone wins.
“We want to ensure that players understand the rules and have every opportunity to protect themselves. Based on the questions we've received through The Line, we've undoubtedly supported people in taking steps to prevent putting themselves at risk.”
Learn more about how RealResponse can amplify the voices and insights you need to strengthen your athlete experience.