Confirmed: South America nations reach ITF World Junior Tennis Finals
The line-up of nations set to compete at the 2022 ITF World Junior Tennis Finals in Prostejov, Czech Republic is nearing completion after the latest round of qualifying concluded in the Colombian city of Armenia.
Following a pulsating week of action and a host of gripping matches, the South American contingent of countries that will bid for silverware and prestige at the ITF’s premier 14-and-under team competition is now known.
Colombia came out on top in the boys’ draw and defeated Ecuador in the final to be crowned South American champions, although both subsequently progress to the Finals. As indeed do Argentina, who finished third.
Represented at final qualifying by Lucas Velasco, David Castellanos and Eduardo Jaramillo, Colombia will head to the Finals, which take place from 1-6 August, in bullish mood and eager to make a significant mark.
Colombia have never previously been crowned ITF World Junior Tennis champions, with Argentina and Chile the only South American nations to have achieved such a feat. Argentina’s boys topped the podium in 1996 and 2016, while Chile’s boys were victorious in 2010.
In the girls’ draw, Argentina and Brazil will be on show in Prostejov after making their presence felt during final qualifying and battling their way through a field which also included Peru and Venezuela.
Argentina will travel to Europe in August as the 14-and-under South American champions following victory over Brazil in the final – Sol Larraya and Candela Vazquez claimed singles wins, while Luna Cinalli also played her part during the week.
Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina join Japan, Kazakhstan, Korea, Rep., Mexico and USA in reaching the boys’ Finals, while Argentina and Brazil will compete alongside Australia, Canada, India, Japan, Korea. Rep and USA in the girls’ event.
A total of 32 teams (16 boys’ and 16 girls’) will compete in Prostejov, with hosts Czech Republic qualifying automatically for both tournaments, while final qualifying in Europe and Africa is still to take place.
ITF World Junior Tennis is the foremost ITF team competition in the 14-and-under age category and a key pillar of the ITF player pathway and the development of aspiring players.
Over the years, Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kei Nishikori, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo and Kristina Mladenovic are just a few of the names to have competed in the competition.
The players of the most-recently qualified nations – Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina and Brazil – are certainly in good company.
Further details of the ITF World Junior Tennis final qualifying event in Armenia can be found here.