The ITF/Tennis Europe 14 & Under Touring Team has reached the halfway point of its 2025 summer tour, completing two top-level events with great results and growing momentum.
Guided by coaches Goran Shevchenko (MKD) and Irina Kuzmina-Rimša (LAT), the players have just finished their second tournament at the Category 1 event in Wilrijk, Belgium, after starting the tour with a strong debut at the Super Category event in Düren, Germany.
This year’s team:
Boys
- Francisco Sardinha (POR)
- Andrija Martinović (BIH)
- Marko Aleksovski (MKD)
- Rafael Pagonis (GRE)
Girls
- Samiye İdil Özkeresteci (TUR)
- Violetta Skryp (UKR)
- Vasilisa Zarecinaia (MLD)
- Eda Lara Sacirovic (BIH)
In Düren, Germany, the team faced one of the strongest fields of the year. In singles, Samiye İdil Özkeresteci and Violetta Skryp both reached the semifinals - an impressive start to their campaign. Meanwhile, Francisco Sardinha made an excellent run to the semifinals of the doubles, partnering with a player from outside the team.
In Wilrijk, Belgium, the players built on that experience, showing improved performances and resilience. Marko Aleksovski advanced to the semifinals in singles, while Violetta Skryp and Eda Lara Sacirovic both reached the quarterfinals.
The 14&U Touring Team provides a unique development opportunity for promising young players, combining international match play with structured training, professional guidance and the support of travelling as a group. Off court, the players are also learning important aspects of life on tour, such as travel routines, recovery, nutrition and teamwork - all essential for their future careers.
With two tournaments left, in Barcelona and Alicante, the team is aiming to finish the summer on a high, making the most of every match and experience.
Stay tuned for the final wrap-up, including results, reflections, and standout stories from the last stage of this European summer journey.