JUNIOR TOURNAMENTS EXPLAINED
TSA sanctioned tournaments are open to all participants, regardless of strength and/or level of play. Depending on experience and skill level it is recommended players play TSA/ CTT sanctioned ranking events if they are following a competitive pathway to earn ranking points necessary for seeding and invites to the top events.
Tournaments run from 3-6 days. The draw size is the determining factor for the duration of the event and of often the strength of the event
2/3 day tournament: size 16 draws
4/5 day tournament: size 32 draws
6 day tournament: size 32/64/128 draws
The following ranking tournaments are offered by Tennis South Africa and can be found on the Sportyhq website.( https://tsa.sportyhq.com) Rainbow Kidz events are non-ranking tournaments.
Rainbow Kidz tournaments are aimed at under 10 players and offer an introduction to competition. Green, orange and red dot balls are used on smaller courts. Matches are played over 1 or 2 days.
The objective of Rainbow Kidz is to build a clearer and more easily accessible training and competitive pathway for players aged 10 and under. The focus is on being introduced to competition and learn the rules for matchplay.
Orange and Green ball singles and doubles matches are included during events. The aim is to give skills for life, get children into the game improve tennis skills and learn the rules so when they transition into the u/12 section they are more confident and prepared.
Orange – For players that are physically too small to compete on the normal size tennis court, as the size of the court will allow technical, tactical, physical and mental competencies to develop. First time players are recommended to enter the orange section.
Green – For players that can score and have some match play experience, even if it was just practice matches. Also, for better players to develop the necessary tennis skills and be better equipped to transition into the u/12 section.
Here some useful links to the next tournaments: https://tsa.sportyhq.com/tournament
Seasonal tournaments: Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring offered to U12 – open age groups
These are good entry level tournaments for first time TSA competitors.
Mini Series Events: Mini Series 1-5 for U12-Open age groups
These tournaments are aimed at the more experienced tournament players, however, as they are normally 3-day events, the draws are split into Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze. The players are split into the different groups based on their ranking, so you play against players of similar strength. Ranking points are awarded to players based on their final position.
Grand Prix tournaments for U12 – Open age groups
This tournament is aimed at the more experienced tournament players and takes place over 4-5 days. Mostly Platinum draws only, so all players compete in one draw regardless of ranking or strength.
Masters
This tournament is by invitation only. Players compete in the Mini Series events (Mini Series 1 – 5) and qualify based on their position/ranking in the race table.
Growthpoint Super 8
This tournament is aimed at the more experienced tournament players and takes place over 5-6 days. Mostly Platinum draws only, so all players compete in one draw regardless of ranking or strength. Locally, this tournament awards the highest ranking points.
Growthpoint Junior Nationals
The most prestigious event of the year where South Africa’s top juniors battle it out for the title. Held every year in Bloemfontein players need to be at their best going into this event. Most of our top juniors who win the national title go on to earn tennis scholarships in the U.S. or try their hand on the pro tour.