Junior tennis

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Junior tennis is tennis for players aged 18 and under. In ITF junior events, eligibility is based on birth year, so some players finish juniors soon after turning 18 while others can play close to 19. Some juniors also compete on the main professional tours, with forms signed by a parent or guardian.

Many juniors aim to turn pro, as did stars like Andre Agassi and Pete Sampras. In the United States, the USTA runs a large junior circuit for ages 8 and under up to 18 and under. Younger divisions use smaller courts and shorter matches, while older divisions play full best-of-three-set matches.

Most players also think about college tennis later, either on a college team or through USTA Tennis on Campus. Since 2021 the USTA uses one national ranking and tournament system, replacing the old regional rankings. To play in USTA events you must be a registered USTA member and a US citizen, though a few non-citizens can enter under special circumstances.

Players may enter multiple age divisions, sometimes playing up in age as well. Tournaments are organized into seven levels; Levels 1 and 2 are national and include events like the USTA National Championships and entries into the Junior US Open and US Open for the 16s and 18s divisions. Level 3 can be national or sectional, with some sections running Closed Level 3 events. Levels 4–7 are mainly sectional or district and offer fewer ranking points. Most matches are best of three sets, with a third set or tiebreak used in some formats. Draws can range from a few players to 128.

Ranking is based on a player’s best results over the past year. Since 2021, singles and doubles points are combined into one ranking. National rankings help determine entry into tournaments. Top juniors often go on to professional tennis or to top college programs. Notable former USTA juniors who reached the pro ranks include Francis Tiafoe, John Isner, Sloane Stephens and Madison Keys.

The ITF runs the world junior circuit, giving players a world junior ranking and a path toward ATP or WTA rankings. Most juniors progress through ITF events and then into higher levels; some exceptional players jump straight to the pro tour. ITF grades events from Grade A down, with Grade A and the junior Grand Slams the most prestigious. There are also five other Grade A junior tournaments and junior team events like the Junior Davis Cup and Junior Fed Cup.