Three new age categories has been introduced into the Junior Category for this year’s Vodafone Suva Open Launch.

The pilot program which was launched last year as part of an effort to encourage and introduce children to competitive tennis at a young age and foster a love for the sport has included the Unders 7, Unders 8 and the Unders 10.

Three schools from last year’s pilot program will make their competitive debut at the 2026 Vodafone Suva Open, marking another milestone in Fiji Tennis’ grassroots development drive.

Gospel Primary School, Holy Trinity Primary School, and St Anne’s Primary School are among the first schools to take part after the initiative was rolled out to five schools in 2025.

Fiji Tennis coach Sumit Lal believes the expanded junior program will allow coaches to identify promising talent much earlier and provide young players with the support and competition needed to reach the next level.

He adds that with the introduction of the new categories, young players are given the opportunity to experience competitive tennis and helping build a stronger pathway for the sport’s future.

“Usually students who don’t normally have access to tennis as a pathway. So this is part of our initiative to open up the sport, particularly to younger children, younger people, so that we can grow the sport here in Suva and in Fiji in particular.”

“It’s just to give more of the younger kids an opportunity to play in a tournament and just express themselves on court. And it’s also a pathway for them leading towards the future greats that they play in and hopefully they get to represent Fiji.”

Meanwhile, the tournament will be held from the 21st to the 24th of this month across the Paradiso Tennis Courts, Victoria Tennis Courts, and the Suva Lawn Tennis Club.