Tennis SA announces new hosting partner for National Junior Masters

Tennis South Africa (TSA) announced on Monday that Gauteng North Junior Tennis will be the new hosting partner for the National Junior Masters Championships from 2024 to 2027.

This prestigious event, which showcases the top young tennis talent in South Africa, will be supported by the district association responsible for junior tennis in Tshwane, renowned for its extensive experience in hosting both domestic and international tournaments.

The Junior Masters Championships feature the top eight boys and girls in four age categories: under-12, under-14, under-16, and under-18.

The event offers a crucial platform for young athletes to compete for top honours and plays a vital role in the development of junior tennis in the country.

Having been hosted in Cape Town last year, the Junior Masters Championships will now return to its former home in Tshwane.

TSA President Gavin Crookes expressed his enthusiasm about the new partnership, stating, “The Junior Masters Championships is one of the country’s flagship junior events, and we always aim to provide our players and the public with the best possible experience. Partnering with Gauteng North Junior Tennis, one of the most prominent tennis districts in Gauteng, is a significant step towards achieving that goal. We are excited to work together to host this prestigious event for the next three years.”

Crookes added, “The district’s commitment to promoting tennis aligns perfectly with our vision for the sport’s growth in South Africa. We are confident that this partnership will not only elevate the Junior Masters Championships but also contribute significantly to the overall development of junior tennis in our country.”

Andrew McConnell, Chairperson of Gauteng North Junior Tennis, echoed this sentiment, saying, “It is with great pride that we accept the awarding of the Junior Masters event for the next three years. Our district has demonstrated its ability to host top-level events through the successful hosting of ITF tournaments over the last few years. There can be no doubt that these events have been a highlight for players, parents, and spectators. We will ensure that the 2024 edition of the Junior Masters will be a memorable event for the players, coaches, and parents.”

The Junior Masters Championships will be held from 11-13 October at the LC de Villiers Sports Grounds, University of Pretoria, offering three days of intense competition among South Africa’s most promising young tennis talents. 

The cutoff ranking for qualification is set for Monday, 2 September, with invitations to be sent out on 10 September.