Providing key opportunities for local players, the Renault Clay Court Masters returns with a bang this year, with upgraded Grand Prix ranking points on offer throughout the series to be contested at North-West University in Potchefstroom.
With continued support from Renault, a key partner of Tennis South Africa (TSA) which remains committed to the development and growth of the sport, the series - launched last year - gives players across the country a chance to compete in rare clay court tournaments on home soil.
This season there will be more at stake, with the tournaments now offering higher-value Grand Prix points compared to the Mini points awarded in 2025.
The increased ranking incentive is expected to attract many of the country’s rising junior players, all looking to strengthen their national standings.
The competition plays an important role in strengthening the domestic competitive pathway and preparing players for higher-level events on clay surface.
“Tennis South Africa is delighted to see the return of the Renault Clay Court Masters Series in 2026. We thank Renault South Africa for their continued support of tennis development in our country and North-West University for hosting the series at their excellent clay court facilities in Potchefstroom. Opportunities like these are vital in strengthening the domestic pathway and giving our players valuable exposure on clay,” Anthony Moruthane, General Manager, Tennis South Africa.
STRENGTHEN SA TENNIS DEVELOPMENT
Significantly, the second week of the series, taking place between 5–7 June, will coincide with the finals of Roland Garros in Paris - the world’s premier clay-court Grand Slam - aligning with Renault’s global support of tennis.
The Renault Clay Court Masters, which will include four tournaments, is a joint venture between Tennis South Africa, Renault South Africa and North-West University.
“Renault South Africa is proud to cement our commitment to local tennis through the Renault Clay Court Masters. By elevating this year’s series, we are strengthening the pathway for local athletes and creating meaningful opportunities to develop their talent on clay surfaces aligning to Renault’s global sponsorship of the Roland Garros.” says Nosipho Manitshana, Vice President: Marketing and Communication at Renault South Africa.
“The North-West University (NWU) is proud to host the Renault Clay Court Masters series once again on our world-class Italian red clay facilities, at the Potchefstroom Campus. Events like these strengthen South Africa’s tennis development pathway by giving young players access to high-quality competition on clay, which is a surface that remains relatively scarce locally. Beyond sport, the tournament also reflects our commitment to creating opportunities for student-athletes and communities alike. It is going to be wonderful tournament, and we look forward to opening our doors to some of the best young tennis players in the country,” says Helene Botha, competitive sport manager at the NWU’s Potchefstroom Campus.
Providing opportunities to players across all age groups, the campaign will be open to individuals in the U12, U14, U16 and Open divisions.
Matches will be played during the day and in the evening, with two sessions scheduled on each day of competition.
TOURNAMENT DATES
1: 15–17 May: Under 16 and Open
2: 5–7 June: Under 12 and 14
3: 14–16 August: Under 16 and Open
4: 21–23 August: Under 12 and 14