The 2024 Radix National Junior Teams Event once again showcased the remarkable talent of young tennis players nationwide, with Auckland’s junior teams emerging as the indisputable champions across all age categories. This prestigious annual event, renowned for nurturing emerging talent since its inception in 1985, continued to embody the essence of competitive spirit and sportsmanship.
Held in April, this year’s event gathered 144 of the nation’s most promising young players who competed in a total of 810 matches over four intense days. Facilitated by Tennis NZ and various stakeholders, including the Four Winds Foundation, the tournament remained a testament to collaborative efforts aimed at fostering grassroots tennis development in our country.
The tournament, spanning venues in Christchurch and Wellington, featured age categories of 12 & Under, 14 & Under, and 17 & Under. In Christchurch, Auckland’s junior teams showcased their prowess, clinching gold in both the 12 & Under and 14 & Under categories. Despite initial seeding positions, the Auckland teams defied expectations by improving their initial seedings to gold medal positions by the completion of the matches.
Meanwhile, in Wellington, the Auckland 17 & Under team, entering as top seeds, delivered a masterclass performance, securing the gold medal in a dominant fashion. Their display of tactical acumen and sheer skill left no doubt about their superiority on the court, reaffirming their status as the epitome of junior tennis talent.
These impressive results guarantee Auckland the “Region of the Year’ award for a record 8 years running.
A deeper analysis of the tournament’s statistics further solidifies Auckland’s dominance. Leading in points, matches, sets, and games across all age groups, Auckland showcased exceptional strength and depth. Particularly noteworthy was the 17 & Under team’s near invincibility, winning an impressive 85.9% of their sets.
These statistics not only underscore Auckland’s success in sweeping all three gold medals but also highlight the effectiveness of the region’s ecosystem of junior development. The dedication of coaches in programs and clubs across Auckland is evident, with their commitment to nurturing young talent yielding remarkable results.
As we celebrate Auckland’s triumph at the 2024 Radix National Junior Teams Event, we extend our appreciation to Tennis NZ, the Four Winds Foundation, individual coaches, team managers, and all stakeholders for their unwavering support of this event. Auckland’s junior teams’ success serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of excellence fostered by the Radix National Junior Teams Event and promises a bright future for tennis in Auckland and beyond.
Auckland 12U Team
Coach: Josh Crozier
Manager: Deborah Bland
Auckland 14U Team
Coach: Mat Garnham
Manager: James Greenhalgh
Auckland 17U Team
Coach: Tabitha Porter
Manager: Catherine Garvey
