The 14 & Under ITF/Tennis Europe Development Championships are now under way. The competition, hosted for the 12th time by the Turkish Tennis Federation, has welcomed players from 11 ‘Tier 1’ nations – Albania, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Georgia, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Moldova and Türkiye.
The objective is to offer a Junior Tour experience to players from less developed countries, with the costs fully covered by ITF and Tennis Europe. Accompanied by national coaches, the players will participate in two consecutive Category 2 tournaments and have the chance to attend a Tennis Europe Junior School class on Friday, March 10. Based on their performances, the most successful players have the chance to be invited to join the ITF/Tennis Europe 14 & Under Touring Team during the upcoming summer.
In the second week of the event, a 12 & Under Training Camp run by ITF Tutor Goran Shevchenko will be held for 10 boys and 10 girls from the same nations. Following the training camp, many of the players will have a chance to put their new knowledge to the test at a 12&U Junior Tour tournament.
Meanwhile, an ATP Challenger event is taking place at the same venue, the MegaSaray Tennis Academy. This provides the opportunity for players and their coaches to watch the professional players in action. Given that champions like Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka and Grigor Dimitrov have benefited from playing in the Development Championships, observing a top-level competition can offer the young players a significant boost of motivation.
For the latest draws and results from the Championships, click here or download the new Tennis Europe Junior Tour app.
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