Talent Development Pathway

At Tennis Australia, our Talent Development Pathway aims to empower and support talented players, coaches, and their support teams to achieve their highest potential.

Central to our approach are core characteristics that underpin our pursuit of performance goals:

  • Effort over Outcome — We prioritise effort as the primary measure of success.
  • Humility and Respect – Demonstrating humility, being respectful and grateful for opportunities
  • Self-Regulation and Perspective – The ability to self-regulate and maintain perspective
  • Honesty and Ownership – A willingness to be honest and take complete ownership
  • Act with Courage – The courage to dream big and do what’s required no matter how you feel.

Any junior player who exhibits talent, passion for tennis, dedication to requisite training hours, daily improvement efforts, and follows the necessary competition schedule to meet national and international standards is encouraged to inquire about and potentially be invited to join Tennis Australia’s talent pathways.

Talent identification begins at every club nationwide, where players collaborate with their private coaches. While athletes may develop and commit at various ages and stages of the pathway, opportunities remain accessible for those demonstrating foundational skills and character traits at different times.

Our talent programs commence with the Super 10s for players starting from 8 years old. These programs bring together junior players from each state to participate in supervised competitive learning environments. The progression continues up to 18 years of age through our National Development Squads, which convene twice weekly in each state for top players in their respective age groups.

For more details regarding the five pillars of our Talent Pathway – Super 10s, Zone Squads, National Development Squads, National Development, and Tours & Camps – please contact Paul Vassallo, Director of Talent for Tennis Australia [email protected].

Super 10s
January 24:Super 10 players engaged in tennis activity (64 players in total)
Male and female players. Professional player Dane Sweeny engaging with players during the 2024 Australian Open on Wednesday, January 24, 2024. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ TONY GOUGHSuper 10s is an exciting competition for children aged 10 and under. (8 to 10 year-olds)
Selection & Qualification
Zone Squads
The Rafa Nadal Tour has returned to Australia, with competitive events planned for juniors in every state and territory this year, including this event in Perth on Saturday 1 May, 2021.
The Australian tour will allow junior tennis players from the 12/u and 14/u age groups a chance to earn a place in the Rafa Nadal Tour Masters event, set to take place in January 2022 in Melbourne. MANDATORY PHOTO CREDIT TENNIS AUSTRALIAProviding opportunities for talented players to come together to train in a competitive environment. (11 to 15 year-olds)
Selection & Qualification
National Development Squads
January 22: Renee Alame (AUS) (green dress) and Alana Subasic (AUS) (aqua top) play Asylzhan Arystanbekova (KAZ) and Yulia Perapekhina on court 7 during the 2024 Australian Open on Monday, January 22, 2024. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ HAMISH BLAIRThe National Development Squads (NDS) represent a pinnacle in high-performance training. (11 to 16 year-olds)
Selection & Qualification
National Development Program
11s National Camp at Melbourne Park on Thursday, May 16, 2024. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ FIONA HAMILTONDesigned to provide comprehensive support to young Australian tennis players. (11 to 16 year-olds)
Selection & Qualification
Tours & Camps
April 13: Junior Girls with Team Australia at the Billie Jean King Cup Qualifier at the Queensland Tennis Centre in Brisbane on Saturday, April 13, 2024. Photo by TENNIS AUSTRALIA/ DAN PELEDDesigned to enhance athletes’ development in their pursuit of a career on the ATP/WTA tour.
Selection & Qualification