Playoffs 2024: A Year-End Marked by Excellence and Expansion
The end of 2024 marks a significant milestone for Les Petits As, the most prestigious junior tournament U14 shaping the future stars of tennis. With Wilson becoming the official partner and the success of three qualifying editions of the Playoffs Wilson, the organization has reaffirmed its position as a must-play event for young talents.
Strengthening the US: Les Petits As – USA Playoffs Wilson
The 8th edition of the USA Playoffs Wilson presented by AQR, held at Canas Racket, Tropical Park, Miami, Florida, from October 14 to 18 2024, once again showcased the deep interest in youth tennis in the United States. Featuring a pre-qualifying stage through sixteen USA Playoffs Regionals events open to all American players all over the country, the competition displayed impressive performances, reflecting the immense pool of young talent across the country. This tournament has become a must-attend event for aspiring American champions.
In the girls’ category, PANDEY Tanvi and Del Mastro Daniela reached the semifinals, earning their spots at Le Mondial Wilson in Tarbes alongside WANG Allison (finalist) and COMBS Emery (winner of the 2024 edition).
In the boys’ category, the youngest participant, GARDALITY Daniel (born in 2012), who qualified through the Regionals, battled his way through the competition to secure a spot in the main event, alongside fellow Pennsylvanian KIRCHNER Anthony. THUTA Smyan also delivered an impressive performance as a runner-up but ultimately fell short against top seed ASCENZO Tristan, who claimed in Miami.
From left to right : Daniel GARDALITY, Smyan THUTA, Tristan ASCENZO, Anthony KIRCHNER
A New Horizon in Africa and Latin America: Les Petits As Africa and Latam Playoffs Wilson
From October 28 to November 1, 2024, the Moundir Tennis Academy in Casablanca, Morocco, hosted the historic first edition of the Africa Playoffs Wilson. Many African nations and more than 60 players participated, highlighting the growing dynamism of tennis on the continent. This event marked an important step toward the inclusion and promotion of African talents on the international stage.
The inaugural edition of the Les Petits As – Africa Playoffs Wilson was dominated by Egyptian tennis. Two young prodigies from Egypt delivered outstanding performances, winning titles in both categories and etching their country’s name in the history of the competition: ELMALT Noor triumphed in the girls’ draw, while GENIDY Mohamed claimed the boys’ title without dropping a single set, conceding just 20 games throughout the tournament. They will be joined at the global finals by SAHBANI Saba and BENNACEUR Leith, both hailing from Tunisia.
Finally, Les Petits As concluded its international qualifying world tour in Venezuela with the inaugural Latam Playoffs Wilson, held from November 25 to 29, 2024, at the Centro Nacional de Tenis in Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. This edition showcased the immense potential of Latin American tennis, featuring intense matches and unprecedented enthusiasm from players and fans alike. Six nations participated in this historic gathering: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Brazil, and Mexico.
In the girls’ category, GÓMEZ Rafaela from Peru emerged victorious. Her solid performance throughout the competition saw her drop just one set during the group stage against PUMAR Stephanie from Venezuela, whom she decisively defeated in the final, 6-1, 6-2.
In the boys’ category, Venezuelan native MEJIAS Ignacio, ranked 2nd in the COSAT rankings and 1st in his age group (2011), dominated the tournament on home soil. Mejías conceded only 13 games across all matches, securing his spot in the final draw of Le Mondial Wilson. He will undoubtedly be a formidable opponent come January 16, 2025. He will be joined by the runner-up of the Latam Playoffs, Colombian SUAREZ Rafael.
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A Strengthened International Dynamic
These three regional tournaments reflect the ambition of Les Petits As to continue identifying and promoting the best talents from around the globe. With the support of Wilson and the geographic expansion of the Playoffs, the tournament has more than ever solidified its reputation as a true breeding ground for the future stars of world tennis.
The year 2025 promises to be an exciting one for junior tennis enthusiasts and the sport’s rising stars. Les Petits Ascontinues to raise the bar, inspiring a new generation of champions.
THE QUALIFIERS:
GIRLS:
– COMBS Emery (USA)
– WANG Allison (USA)
– DEL MASTRO Daniela (USA)
– PANDEY Tanvi (USA)
– ELMALT Noor (EGY)
– SAHBANI Saba (TUN)
– GÓMEZ Rafaela (PER)
– PUMAR Stephanie (VEN)
BOYS:
– ASCENZO Tristan (USA)
– THUTA Smyan (USA)
– KIRCHNER Anthony (USA)
– GARDALITY Daniel (USA)
– GENIDY Mohamed (EGY)
– BENNACEUR Leith (TUN)
– MEJIAS Ignacio (VEN)
– SUAREZ Rafael (COL)