Tennis Australia Media Release, May 6, 2026

Australia’s 14-and-under boys’ team has qualified for the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals, one of the most prestigious events on the international junior calendar.

Regarded as the junior equivalent of the ATP and WTA Finals, the World Junior Tennis Finals bring together the world’s top nations and are one of the key stepping stones to the elite level of the sport.

The team of Novak Palombo (Vic), Sebastian Lavorato (NSW) and Christopher Manton (Vic) secured their place with a strong showing at the Asia/Oceania qualifying event in Kuching, Malaysia. Competing across a week of team competition, Australia finished among the four nations to progress to the World Finals.

The event is a key part of the player pathway, exposing emerging athletes to international competition, different playing conditions and the demands of representing Australia.

For team captain Ben Pyne, the campaign highlighted performance and development across the squad, both on and off the court.

“The Asia/Oceania group has become increasingly competitive in recent years, so finishing second was a magnificent effort from the group,” Pyne said.

Palombo maintained a perfect record throughout the entire tournament, winning all eight of his matches in straight sets, while Lavorato and Manton played key roles across both singles and doubles.

“These players have now earned the opportunity to compete against the very best in the world,” Pyne said.

“It is an extremely important step in their development, and I know they will take a lot from the experience, continue to work hard and represent Australia with pride.”

The team will compete at the World Junior Tennis Finals in Prostejov, Czechia from 3-8 August as they aim to win the event for the first time since 2007.