Liam Sharkey (GBR) and Nicole Kurylova (CZE) have won the Category One tournament in Rakovnik this week. In busy week of tournaments from around Europe, let’s take a look at some of the highlights from the Junior Tour.
O Pohar Mesta Rakovnik U14
14&U Cat.1 | Rakovnik (CZE)
Boys - Singles
The top 4 boys’ seeds, three of whom were British, all advanced to the semifinals, befitting a tournament of this level. Sharkey has shown amazing form this season and made it to his third final of 2026. Easy wins in the early rounds, helped steady the top seed for a three-set battle in the semifinals where he overcame his compatriot, fourth seed Frederick Fabricius, after dropping the second set.
Thus, the top seed booked his spot in the final against another Brit, Oskar Laskowsi, who also progressed after a three-set win in the semis over second seed Richard Mitchell (SUI). Sharkey eased to another win in the final, claiming the final 6-0 6-2 and will maintain his spot atop the Race to Monte-Carlo.
Boys’ doubles final:
Oskar Laskowski (GBR) & Valentijn Roodenberg (NED) def Ondrej Jecminek (CZE) & Jakub Kyncl (CZE) 6-0 6-2
Girls - Singles
If the boys’ draws were exciting and competitive, the girls’ events were unfortunately hampered by players plagued by injury, to all of whom we no doubt wish a speedy recovery. It was an all-Czech affair in the girls’ singles final, with Vanessa Balej facing Kurylova in the final. Balej was handed a walkover from top seed Beata Maresova in R32. Then in a rather bizarre turn of events, both finalists progressed to the decider when their opponents retired after just a few games in their semifinals.
The final, however, did provide some emotion as the two local players split the first two sets. In the end it was Kurylova who was too strong for Balej, winning her fourth 14&U title of the year (in addition to a 16&U title).
Girls’ doubles final
Sofia Jirakova (CZE) & Adela Svoboda (CZE) def Vanessa Balej (CZE) & Noga Bar Shalom (ISR) - Walkover
TE U16 Larnaka Club G3
16&U Cat.3 | Larnaka (CYP)
Girls:
The top seeded local and Race leader, Danai Margariti (CYP) was aiming for a second title of the season. However, she was pipped at the post by her compatriot Andrea Georgiou Papakyriacou, who won her second title of the year.
Boys:
Sixth seeded Dmitrii Artemev dashed local hopes by downing top seed Yiannis Leontis (CYP) in the QF before a win in the final over Marko Kontunovskyi (UKR). This is Artemev’s fort win on tour since claiming two singles titles in 2022 at the 12 and Under level.
The tournament had a strong social media presence on Instagram throughout the week and was played in the greatest of spirits. In a joint statement from the Tournament Director Mrs Jacqueline Wrightson and the Referee Mr Andreas Georgiades, we were told: “the players were a pleasure to host throughout the week, showing great camaraderie and sportsmanship on and off the court. They were respectful, well-mannered and professional in their approach, which helped the tournament run smoothly. It was a fantastic example for the younger and upcoming players in Larnaka to look up to. We are truly honored to welcome athletes from all over Europe and to play a part in their development through the Tennis Europe Junior Tour.”
Tsaghkadzor Spring Trophy 2
14&U Cat.3 | Tsaghkadzor (ARM)
Playing for a fourth title of the year, all of which came in this city, Darina Masautova remains undefeated in finals this year. After two wins in doubles events this year, including one at the Development Championships, Georgi Kintsurashvili (pictured below) won his first singles title of the year. The jubilant Georgian said to us, “It feels amazing to win this tournament. Competing on the Tennis Europe Junior Tour is always a big challenge and a great opportunity to grow as a player.”
Torneo U12 Maglie
12&U Cat.1 | Maglie (ITA)
Niko Brolih (SLO) and Josephine Silfverschiold (SWE) have scored maiden wins in 2026. These category one victories now put them in good stead for a potential spot in the year-end event at the Carlos Moyà Festival in Mallorca.
For all of this week’s results, click here.