World Junior Real Tennis Championships 2026
The biennial World Junior Championships took place at Seacourt at the end of August, featuring the top 16 U19 juniors from around the globe. Players from Australia, France, the USA, and the UK participated in this prestigious event, which was sponsored by the T&RA and the Dedanists Society.
On Tuesday evening, Seacourt hosted a Welcome Drinks event, offering delightful canapés from Seacourt Kitchen, generously provided by the Dedanists Society.
For the first time in the UK, this tournament also included the Girls World Championships running concurrently. On Friday, the Plate finals concluded with Zoe Neville from Wellington defeating Isabelle Wylie from Queens in the Girls Plate. In the Boys Plate final, Kurt Mueller from Tuxedo, USA, triumphed over Tom Macnamara from the Melbourne club, showcasing an exciting international matchup.
Jonah Serotta from Philadelphia, competing in his first World Championships, achieved a significant victory in the semi-final of the main draw by defeating the number one seed and current titleholder, Max Warner. This win secured him a place in the final against Archie Watson from Oratory.
The finals commenced on Sunday at noon, starting with the girls’ match. Katherine Carney from Oratory dominated the match, defeating Riya Bharwad from Cambridge with a score of 6-0, 6-0. Despite being outmatched by her older and more experienced opponent, Riya delivered an impressive performance and is definitely one to watch in the future.
The boys’ World Championship final was undoubtedly one of the most thrilling junior matches ever played. Seacourt was filled to capacity, with standing room only for spectators. Jonah narrowly claimed the first set, but Archie responded by winning a tightly contested second set. As both players battled fiercely, they found themselves tied at 5-5 in the deciding game. In a pivotal moment, Jonah faltered, allowing Archie to win the last two points and secure the coveted title of World Junior Champion.
The trophies for the girls’ competition were presented by Tara Lumley (ladies #3) and the co-chairs of the LRTA, Juliette Lambert and Sarah Sullivan. The trophies for the boys’ division were awarded by John Lumley (World #2) and the T&RA Director of Junior Tennis, Paul Weaver. The presentation ceremony was marked by heartfelt speeches from both players, with Jonah displaying remarkable sportsmanship in defeat, while Archie was visibly moved in his victory.
This prestigious event will next be held in the USA in 2028.
Junior World Real Tennis Champion 2026
Archie Watson, with Paul Weaver & John Lumley
Jonah Serrota, Finalist with Paul Weaver & John Lumley
Junior Girls’ World Real Tennis Champion 2026
Katherine Carney, with Tara Lumley, Paul Weaver, Sarah Sullivan & Juliette Lambert from the LRTA.
All the competitors in the World Junior Championships 2026