Some of Australia’s top junior tennis players are currently in Kazakhstan for the Asia/Oceania Final Qualifying events for the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup Juniors.
The prestigious 16/u competitions bring together the region’s strongest junior players and form a key part of the junior tennis pathway, providing opportunities for players to represent their country and experience elite international team competition.
Meanwhile, a group of 13/u players travelled to Italy late last month for a five-week tour as part of a partnership between Tennis Australia and the Italian Tennis Federation.
Australia’s Junior Billie Jean King Cup team, which began competition this week, features Queensland’s Tori Russell, who returns for her second-consecutive national team selection.
Maverick Banes, Tennis Australia National Development coach, is leading the girls’ team.
“The Billie Jean King Cup is a team competition, and I know that will bring out the best in the girls,” Banes said.
“We have an evenly balanced team, with each player bringing something a little different which adds to our versatility and strength.
“They have all proven themselves internationally and I’m really excited about what this group can achieve. They can’t wait to get out there and represent Australia with pride.”
The Junior Davis Cup team will commence their campaign on 18 May, with Queensland's Taiki Takizawa making his first appearances in the green and gold, under the guidance of Andrew Roberts.
“The team is extremely proud to represent Australia and is looking forward to the challenge of taking on the best in Asia,” Roberts said.
“The boys have prepared well, they’ve worked hard and are ready to go out there and compete.”
Australia will be aiming to qualify for the 2026 Billie Jean King Cup and Davis Cup Junior Finals later this year.
Roberts said three Queensland juniors were also gaining incredible exposure as part of an Italian tour.
Coach Isabella Fede is leading the contingent of Queensland 13-year-old’s which includes Jobe Dikkenberg, Seungyeon Seo and Lennox Kelly.
Roberts said the partnership with the Italian Tennis Federation would ultimately aid the development of junior players from both nations.
“The juniors currently on tour will benefit greatly from exposure to international competition, as well as the opportunity to experience a different culture.”