SA Tennis | SA Team finish 5th at IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge Global Finals
Team South Africa recently participated in the International Club (IC) Rod Laver Junior Challenge Worldwide Finals held in San Diego, USA from November 6 to 11, 2023.
The South African team, comprising Guy Vorwerk, Simphiwe Ngwenya, Mari-Louise van Zyl, Kaitlyn Ramduth, and Coach Terrey Schweitzer, earned their spot in the prestigious tournament as regional winners from the previous year.
The competition featured teams from five continents, with Europe being represented by two teams. The final results of the IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge Worldwide Finals were as follows:
- 1st Place: India
- 2nd Place: Italy
- 3rd Place: Great Britain
- 4th Place: USA
- 5th Place: South Africa
- 6th Place: Argentina
The event included intense matches with 2 boys' singles, 2 girls' singles, 1 boys' doubles, 1 girls' doubles, and 1 mixed decider. The level of competition was exceptionally high, with the boys' Universal Tennis Ratings (UTR) ranging between 11 and 12, and the girls' UTR between 9 and 10.
Despite finishing in 5th place, Team South Africa displayed exceptional talent and fought fiercely in closely contested matches often decided in the 3rd set super tie-break. The experience provided valuable exposure for the young players, and their performances drew the attention of Rod Laver and Charlie Pasarell, who attended the event on three of the days. Additionally, college coaches were keenly interested in observing the young South African players compete.
Notably, Mari-Louise van Zyl was awarded the most prestigious accolade for girls – the Good Sportsmanship Award – recognizing her exemplary behavior and fair play throughout the entire event.
Team South Africa recently participated in the International Club (IC) Rod Laver Junior Challenge Worldwide Finals held in San Diego, USA from November 6 to 11, 2023.
The South African team, comprising Guy Vorwerk, Simphiwe Ngwenya, Mari-Louise van Zyl, Kaitlyn Ramduth, and Coach Terrey Schweitzer, earned their spot in the prestigious tournament as regional winners from the previous year.
The competition featured teams from five continents, with Europe being represented by two teams. The final results of the IC Rod Laver Junior Challenge Worldwide Finals were as follows:
- 1st Place: India
- 2nd Place: Italy
- 3rd Place: Great Britain
- 4th Place: USA
- 5th Place: South Africa
- 6th Place: Argentina
The event included intense matches with 2 boys' singles, 2 girls' singles, 1 boys' doubles, 1 girls' doubles, and 1 mixed decider. The level of competition was exceptionally high, with the boys' Universal Tennis Ratings (UTR) ranging between 11 and 12, and the girls' UTR between 9 and 10.
Despite finishing in 5th place, Team South Africa displayed exceptional talent and fought fiercely in closely contested matches often decided in the 3rd set super tie-break. The experience provided valuable exposure for the young players, and their performances drew the attention of Rod Laver and Charlie Pasarell, who attended the event on three of the days. Additionally, college coaches were keenly interested in observing the young South African players compete.
Notably, Mari-Louise van Zyl was awarded the most prestigious accolade for girls – the Good Sportsmanship Award – recognizing her exemplary behavior and fair play throughout the entire event.
