Tennis Europe Press Release, January 23, 2021

Thanks to a new agreement between Tennis Europe and the WTA (Women’s Tennis Association), this year’s top European players will be invited to showcase their talents at the WTA Future Stars event, which will be played alongside the season-ending Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen, China.

Four top players from each of the 14 and 16 & Under age groups of the Tennis Europe Junior Tour will qualify to compete at the event against leading players from other regions.

“WTA Future Stars began as a grassroots initiative in 2014 and has expanded continuously in subsequent years,” said Melissa Pine, WTA Vice President, Global Program Development. “Now also shining a spotlight on high performance players from around the globe, the program provides once-in-a-lifetime development and mentorship opportunities from the stars of the WTA.  We are delighted to work closely with Tennis Europe to empower the next generation of young girls in the region.”

While in Shenzhen, the young athletes will have the opportunity to see first-hand the WTA’s top players in action and to benefit from the advice of the WTA Future Stars Legends and Ambassadors. With matches played on the same courts as the Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen, the event offers big match experience and the chance to play on the same stage as the Top 8 female players in the world.

Tennis Europe President Ivo Kaderka comments: “As a regional association of the sport’s governing body, the ITF, our focus is to support European talents on their way to becoming professional players. Together with the ITF, we are implementing important enhancements to the Player Pathways for all top juniors. This additional opportunity provided by the WTA gives extra unique opportunities to a select group of players, and we are very thankful for both partnerships.”