What is the Grand Slam Player Development Programme (GSPDP)/ITF Touring Team?

Each year, groups of talented players from developing tennis nations are invited to join Grand Slam Player Development Programme/ITF Touring Teams, which are financed through the Grand Slam Player Development Programme.  

The players travel as part of a team, have access to high-performance coaches and gain exposure to events outside of their region. Membership of the Touring Team allows this to happen. Without it, it is unlikely that those players would be able to compete at such a high level of competition. 

The Touring Team is a key development initiative and essentially opens the door for aspiring players to compete at regional and international junior competitions, paving the way for their ascent to the professional game.

During 2023, the Grand Slam Player Development Programme will have teams competing at ITF World Tennis Tour level, under-18 junior events and top-level under-14 regional and international events. Teams operate in all six regions globally.

The Grand Slam Player Development Programme/ITF Touring Team is currently in Australia. Who are the players involved? 

Boys:

Adriano Dzhenev (BUL)

Fernando Cavallo (ARG)

Iliyan Radulov (BUL)

Matej Dodig (CRO)

Girls:

Madeleine Jessup (TPE)

Tania Andrade Sabando (ECU)

Yoana Konstantinova (BUL)

Malwina Rowinska (POL)

Coaches:

Roberta Burzagli (BRA)

James Connelly (AUS)

What is the schedule of Grand Slam Player Development Programme/ITF Touring Team in Australia?

8 Jan: Provisional arrival of Touring Team in Australia

9-12 Jan: Training camp in Traralgon

13-18 Jan: Players to compete at Traralgon, J300

21-28 Jan: Players to compete at Australian Open Junior Championships, J500

*The schedule is subject to change. 

There are numerous players who are either in the top 50 of the ATP and WTA Rankings or have featured within the top 50 in the last 12 months that have previously represented Grand Slam Player Development Programme/ITF Touring Teams. Who are they?

Women:

Zhang Shuai (2001,2003)

Sorana Cirstea (2003)

Victoria Azarenka (2004)

Irina-Camelia Begu (2004, 2007)

Simona Halep (2005)

Ons Jabeur (2008)

Aliaksandra Sasnovich (2009)

Jelena Ostapenko (2010, 2011, 2012)

Anhelina Kalinina (2010, 2011, 2013)

Camila Osorio (2014, 2016, 2017)

Men:

Grigor Dimitrov (2004, 2005, 2006)

Cristian Garin (2006)

Ilya Ivashka (2008)

Lloyd Harris (2010, 2013, 2014)

Sebastian Baez (2015)