Tennis Australia Media Release, August 11, 2026
Australia has claimed third place at the 14/u World Junior Tennis Finals in Prostejov, Czechia, with Novak Palombo (Vic), Sebastian Lavorato (NSW) and Christopher Manton (Vic) finishing on the podium at one of the most prestigious events on the international junior calendar.
The World Junior Tennis Finals are the premier global team competition for 14-and-under players, bringing together leading junior nations from around the world and providing an important stepping stone on the pathway to the elite level of the sport.
Australia returned to the Finals for the first time since 2019 after finishing runner-up at the Asia/Oceania qualifying event in May.
The team went undefeated through the group stage, overcoming 2025 champions France, 2024 and 2026 finalists Brazil and Thailand without dropping a set. Australia then defeated the United States 2-1 in the quarterfinals before falling 2-1 to eventual champions Switzerland in the semifinals.
A 2-0 victory over Bulgaria in the third place play off secured the bronze medal and Australia’s first podium finish at the World Junior Tennis Finals since winning the title in 2007.
Team captain Ben Pyne said he was proud of the way the boys represented Australia throughout the week.
“This was a great opportunity for Novak, Sebastian and Christopher to test themselves against the best players in the world in their age group.
“I couldn’t be prouder of how the boys carried themselves — they represented themselves, their families and their country with real pride.
“Finishing third is a terrific result and a reflection of how well we prepared for this event, both on and off the court.
“It’s been a real team effort, with great support from Matt Smith on the strength and conditioning side, as well as the work their own teams have put in behind the scenes to get them to this level.
“The experience they’ve gained will be just as valuable for their development, and I’m excited for what’s to come for these boys.”
Palombo was unbeaten throughout the tournament, winning all six of his singles rubbers and dropping just one set.
The Victorian entered the tournament on a 12-match winning streak and leaves Czechia with his unbeaten singles record for Australia in 2026 intact at 12-0, having also gone undefeated at the Asia/Oceania Qualifiers in May.
Lavorato and Manton both also finished the Finals strong with 2-1 singles records, following semifinal appearances at lead-in tournaments in France.
The podium finish continues a strong year for Australia’s next generation, delivering a significant result while giving the team valuable experience competing against the world’s leading 14-and-under nations.
View the full results here.
