As Australia’s best 12/u and 14/u talent compete in the Australian Junior Tour finals in Sydney, Alex de Minaur leads a new look at the future of the tour.
Sydney, Australia, November 4, 2024 | Camille Russo
Australia’s best junior tennis talent will compete in the 2024 12/u and 14/u Australian Junior Tour Finals, held for the first time at the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Center from Monday 4 November to Sunday 10 November.
Over 170 top ranked juniors have qualified for the prestigious event based on their performance at Australian Junior Tour events throughout the season.
The Australian Junior Tour hosts 224 events each year and provides a competitive pathway for Australia’s emerging tennis players, including more than 33,000 young athletes.
>View: 12/u and 14/u Australian Junior Tour Finals entry list
In exciting news, the Australian Junior Tour will be renamed the De Minaur Junior Tour to reflect a new level of commitment to the next generation of Australian talent, led by Australia’s No.1 tennis player Alex de Minaur.
As part of De Minaur’s commitment to developing Australia’s future tennis stars, he has partnered with Tennis Australia to establish a scholarship program designed to support high-achieving juniors, ensuring they have the resources and mentoring they need to excel. We guarantee that this will happen.
“The vision of this full scholarship is to provide a pathway for junior athletes and help them transition and advance their careers,” De Minaur said.
“It was very important for me as a child to come to Europe and watch competitions abroad. It taught me so many lessons about everything I had to work for – routine, work ethic, professionalism – that ultimately helped me through my entire career and shaped who I am today.
“Mentorship is very important. I have been fortunate to learn a lot from mentors over the years. I want to pass on the knowledge I have gathered throughout my travels and help young Australian players develop and become the best they can be.”
Two winners from each age group (one male and one female from the 12/u and 14/u age groups) will automatically receive a De Minaur Junior Tour scholarship.
Another player will be awarded a program scholarship called the Alex De Minaur Tennis Spirit Scholarship, awarded to a player who demonstrates core values and behaviors throughout the tournament.
“We are thrilled to be working with Alex on this incredible initiative,” said Tim Jolley, Chief Strategy and Performance Officer, Tennis Australia.
“The rebranding of the De Minaur Junior Tour, along with the new scholarship program, will further enhance the development pathways available to our young athletes, helping them reach their full potential and become competitive on the world stage.
“Alex’s passion for Australian tennis and the next generation is echoed through his commitment to supporting these young players. “They will not only have the opportunity to compete for a national title at this event, but they will also be playing for the opportunity to learn from Alex himself and gain valuable insight from one of our leading tennis experts.”
All matches from this week’s Australian Junior Tour Finals on Court 2 of the Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Center will be streamed live on Kommunity TV.
> Watch: Live Stream of 12/u and 14/u Australian Junior Tour Finals
The 16/u and 18/u Australian Championships and Progress Series Masters will be held at the Bendigo Tennis Association of Victoria from December 7 to 15.
