The Accelerator Programme, which will come into operation next year, will offer the world’s top juniors chances to take part in ATP Challenger Tour level and ITF World Tennis Tour events.

The initiative forms part of the ITF’s long-term strategy to develop more opportunities for players to progress through the player pathway to the top level of the game.

Each player ranked in the Top 20 of the ITF junior boys year-end rankings will be granted up to eight Accelerator Spots at ATP Challenger Tour 50 and 75 tournaments the following season.

These will be split between main draw, for the top 10, and qualifying, for those between 11 and 20, with players also being eligible for two Accelerator Spots at M15 or M25 ITF World Tennis Tour events.

Players ranked 21-30 in the year-end ITF Junior Rankings will be eligible for eight spots at M15 or M25 events.

For players ranked in the top 20 of the ITF junior girls year-end rankings, there will be a total of five opportunities to access main draws at women’s events on the ITF World Tennis Tour, from W15 to W100 level - depending on ranking.

For the first time this will include access to the new W40 category, introduced for 2023 as part of the ITF’s drive for gender parity across the sport.

The new programme supplements the 2023 ATP Challenger Tour changes announced in September, which signal the ATP’s long-term strategy for the circuit through significant prize money increases, a balanced calendar, and an increase in total and premium playing opportunities.

David Haggerty, ITF President, said: "It is important that tennis works together to create new opportunities for young players.

"By collaborating we can create a brighter future for the sport and ensure that future generations have opportunities to progress to the top of the game."

Andrea Gaudenzi, the ATP chair, added: "Tennis has always been a sport that rewards hard work, and we must create an environment that allows young, aspiring players to reach their potential.

"It is our responsibility to open the door to opportunity and allow them to thrive in the sport.

"The Accelerator Programme is creating a pathway for the next generation of champions and showcases tennis using its collective influence to remain a sport for all.

"We look forward to seeing it come into play from 2023."

Further bolstering the junior Accelerator Programme is a new promotion mechanism which allows year-end top 20-ranked juniors and junior grand slam singles champions and finalists who achieve direct acceptance into ATP Challenger qualifying to be promoted into the main draw.

Junior players eligible for the programme will be based off the year-end ITF Junior Ranking, calculated yesterday and available to view on the ITF website.