For the first time, European Championship titles will be awarded to men and women. The 2019 winners of a top-level professional tournament at a major venue will be crowned European Champions.
In addition, the European Tennis Federation has revealed plans for a brand-new European Championship event for players aged 21 & Under. The draws will be comprised of players nominated by Tennis Europe’s 50 constituent national tennis associations.
Tennis Europe CEO Thomas Hammerl announced the news at this week’s Top Executives’ Meeting, saying; “This is an important step for us as we look to build on our existing tournament portfolio and provide new opportunities for players from our member nations. We are planning a festival of tennis during which European men’s and women’s champions are crowned. We will also host a series of side-events which will provide the presidents and staff from our nations a chance to work together while supporting their most promising next generation players at back-to-back major events.”
Tennis Europe currently administers over 1,200 tennis events across the continent each year, from the Tennis Europe Junior Tour to ITF World Tennis Tour and Senior Circuit tournaments. Until now, European Championship events have been held for junior players aged 14, 16 and 18 & Under (and feature over 20 current and former world #1s amongst the former champions), and seniors aged 35 & Over to 85 & Over. The new announcement completes the portfolio of European titles.
Further details of the new events, including the dates and venue, will be announced in due course.