Aleksandra Karabanova and Lyoma Hotelier (JPN) are the new Les Petits As champions. The 44th edition of the prestigious tournament, the first 14 & Under Super Category event of the year, once again welcomed a truly international field, featuring the strongest European juniors alongside top players from across the globe.
In the girls’ draw, top seed Elizaveta Anikina (EST) had a solid start to the week, surviving a demanding three-set match against Kapanadze in the third round. From there, she advanced to the final without dropping another set. Her opponent, Aleksandra Karabanova, seeded 10, also progressed smoothly through the draw to set up the title clash.
The final delivered a dramatic battle. Anikina claimed the opening set 7-5 and came incredibly close to victory in the second set tiebreak. From that moment on, however, Karabanova took full control. She turned the match around, winning the second set before racing through the third without conceding a single game. Karabanova secured the title with a 5-7 7-6 6-0 victory.
Karabanova leaves Tarbes with two trophies, having also lifted the doubles title alongside Polina Kashitsyna, following a 6-3 7-5 win over Varvara Makarova and Ildana Zaripova.
The boys’ final was very different to the girls’. Lyoma Hotelier (JPN) dominated from start to finish, delivering a great performance to defeat Richard Mitchell (SUI) 6-0 6-1 and claim the boys’ singles crown.
In boys’ doubles, David Bender and Daniel Gardality (USA) secured the title with a 6-4 6-3 victory over Slovaks Martin Adamca and Matteo Sanson.
Widely regarded as one of the most prestigious 14 & Under tournaments in the world, Les Petits As holds an exceptional legacy. Former participants include some of the sport’s biggest names, such as Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek and Elina Svitolina. Beyond the on-court action, the event is also celebrated for its fun off-court activities. This year the players also had the opportunity to attend the Tennis Europe Junior School, hosted by Tennis Europe representatives Cristina Perotti - Junior Tennis & Special Events Manager, and Sandi Procter - Vice President & Chair of the Junior Committee. Former professional player Pauline Parmentier also joined the session, sharing experiences from her career and answering questions from the young players. Tennis Europe President Henrik Thorsøe Pedersen was also in Tarbes at the end of the week and took part in the Closing Ceremony.
Elsewhere this week
- The 12 & Under Winter Cups Qualifying Rounds wrapped up after three days of intense competition. Click here to check the results and photos and stay tuned for the 14 & Under and 16 & Under qualifiers taking place next week
- Viktoriia Zaichenko (UKR) and Artis Aire (LAT) won the 16&U Vilar Cup in Aizkraukle, Latvia