The Road to the Nationals: A Parent's Guide to New Zealand's Junior Tennis Championships

Nadia Bland lining up a forehand.

For New Zealand's aspiring young tennis players, the National Junior Championships are the pinnacle of domestic competition. With a rich history dating back to the earliest days of tennis in the country, these tournaments are the ultimate prize for junior players in the Under 12, 14, 16, and 18 age groups.

Tennis was first introduced to New Zealand in the 1870s, and the first national championships were held in 1886. The first national junior championships followed in 1929, creating a formal pathway for developing young talent. Over the decades, these championships have served as a crucial stepping stone for Kiwi players with professional aspirations. Winning a national title is a significant achievement that places a player among the country's elite in their age group.

Securing a spot in the main draw of the National Junior Championships is highly competitive. Here is a concise guide to the three primary pathways your child can take to qualify.

1. Direct Acceptance via Rankings

This is the most direct route for established players. A significant number of spots in the main draw are awarded to players based on their national and international rankings.

• World Tennis Number (WTN) Rankings: 22-23 players are directly accepted based on their WTN Ranking.

• Junior Masters Points Race: For the 12U, 14U, and 16U age groups, performing well in Tier 2 and Tier 3 Junior Masters tournaments throughout the year is vital. These events allow players to accumulate points and improve their national standing, which is critical for direct acceptance.

2. Regional Qualifying Events

For players who don't secure a spot through their ranking, regional qualifiers offer a head-to-head battle for a place in the main draw. The country is divided into six tennis regions. The winner of each regional qualifying tournament earns a coveted spot in the National Championships main draw.

Even for those who don't win their regional event, a strong performance can pay off. Finalists are placed at the top of the alternates list, giving them a high probability of being included if another player withdraws.

3. Wildcard Entries

A small number of wildcard positions are granted at the discretion of Tennis NZ. Wildcards are often given to players who show great promise but whose rankings may not reflect their true ability, sometimes due to injury or time away from the sport. Up to two Tennis NZ Wild Cards and one Pacific Wild Card are available.

Key Eligibility Requirements

Parents should ensure their child meets the core criteria, which include being the correct age for their category as of December 31st of the competition year and holding a New Zealand passport or permanent residency.

To give your child the best chance, it is crucial to stay informed about entry deadlines and tournament dates by regularly visiting the Tennis NZ website.