Mzansi to host top junior tennis tourney

Africa back among elite

In a major boost for African tennis, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) has awarded Tennis SA (TSA) the right to host a high-profile and prestigious ITF Junior gradeA tournament.

There are currently only five grade-A events played globally and, outside of the junior Grand Slams, they carry the highest ranking points on the ITF junior circuit.

They are hosted in Mexico, Japan, Italy, the US and Brazil.

The ITF confirmed at a recent board meeting that the new tournament, the only Agrade event on the African continent, has been awarded to TSA.

The date and venue for the event is still to be confirmed, but it is set to be played in the second half of next year. With valuable ITF junior world ranking points up for

‘‘ It is a great way to start living my dream and, most importantly, to grow in the sport

grabs, the event promises to attract the world’s top under-18 male and female players. This will be the first time in 34 years that a grade-A tournament will be staged in Africa.

The last time South Africa hosted a junior tournament of this stature was way back in 1985.

Junior player Mbali Langa expressed her excitement following the announcement at Arthur Ashe Tennis Complex in Soweto yesterday.

“I’m really excited about the news and the tournament that will be coming here next year,” said Langa.

“It is a great way to start living my dream and expose myself to the world and, most importantly, to grow in the sport. “I look forward to playing in this tournament and getting more international exposure. “I’m extremely excited to be part of these exciting times for tennis in the country.” –