Pacific Oceania: developing tennis in all corners of the world

September has proven a notable month for tennis development in Fiji and across the Pacific Oceania region as the ITF Pacific Oceania Junior Championships returned after a three-year Covid-induced absence.

Held in Lautoka, the championships showcased the region’s finest emerging talent at 14-and-under as well as 16-and-under level, while a 12-and-under team event was also contested at the same time.

However, while participating in and indeed winning a tournament will always top an aspiring player’s priority list, the junior championships were far more than just another tennis event.

ITF Development Officers spent invaluable time on court with teams, players and coaches from across Pacific Oceania, while there was also a community outreach element to proceedings within the Fijian community.

This included Tennis10s activation, which is a key part of the ITF’s Play and Stay initiative, designed for players aged 10 and under and played on smaller courts with slower red, orange and green balls.

As the ITF continues to develop tennis in all corners of the world, photographer Scott Powick was on hand to capture precious images from Fiji which highlight the importance and significance of this work.