Playing on the ITF Junior Circuit

The ITF Junior Circuit is a series of tournaments for players aged 18 & Under aimed at improving competitive opportunities and helping to develop a players' skills.

The 2005 Circuit is open to players born between 1 January 1987 and 31 December 1992. A total of around 300 tournaments will be held in approximately 110 countries throughout the year.

ITF Junior Circuit tournaments only accept entries submitted through a National Association. Players who are not a member of an official team must obtain written confirmation from their Association giving permission for their entry to be considered by the tournament organisers.

Tournaments are graded according to the strength of entry, with the most ranking points being awarded for the nine major championships (Grade A), which include the four Grand Slam events. Grades are listed with tournament details on the ITF Junior Circuit Calendar.

Depending on the level of the event, entries into main draw and qualifying are based on the following criteria:

Singles
a) ITF Junior World Ranking
b) ATP/WTA rankings - tournaments Graded A, 1-3 should consider only those players who are ranked in the professional game of ATP 500 or better or WTA 300 or better for the main draw.
c) If players do not have any ITF or ATP/WTA rankings the tournament committee should take into consideration a player's recent results.
d) Where players are considered to be of a similar standard, preference should be given to players from the country with the fewest players already accepted for the main draw.
e) Regional or national rankings can only be used to determine acceptances when considering players without an ITF or ATP/WTA ranking.

A Junior World Ranking will certainly be necessary to enter Group A, 1, 2, and 3 events, but even entry into Group 4 and 5 events is likely to be based on players' rankings.
When starting out on the Circuit, it is advisable to concentrate on Group 4 and 5 events to try and earn your first ranking points. If entry into the main draw is not possible due to a lack of initial ranking points, you may be able to gain entry into qualifying at this level.