Bloemfontein is a hive of activity as the 2025 Junior National Tennis Championships take place in the city.
The annual tournament, the flagship event of Tennis South Africa’s junior programme, has attracted over 500 players from across the country. They will compete across four age groups for national honours in both boys’ and girls’ tennis.
This is nothing new for Bloemfontein, as the event has been hosted in the city for over two decades. However, this year’s edition is bigger and better, with a new title sponsor on board and matches set to take place across six different venues. Oranje Meisieskool will serve as the main venue, while additional matches will be played at Eunice, Grey College, the University of the Free State, Mundene Tennis Club, and Oud Studente Sports Club.
General Manager of Tennis South Africa, Anthony Moruthane, told Bloemfontein Courant that it was a no-brainer to continue hosting the prestigious event in the city.
“We’ve got over 500 entries across the four age groups, and each player comes with two parents, a coach, and probably siblings. That means over 3,000 people will be in Bloemfontein over the two weeks for the Free State Super 8s and Junior Nationals,” said Moruthane.
“It’s fair for me to say that the reason the Junior Nationals have been held in the city for over two decades is because no other city in South Africa has as many tennis courts as Bloemfontein.
“It’s affordable for schools and clubs, and I think the little bit of support from the government ensures that we still have tennis courts in a playable condition. So, who else but Bloemfontein would host this event?”
Meanwhile, local favourite Donna le Roux will unfortunately not be competing this year in what would have been her final eligible tournament. The 17-year-old, who has won multiple national titles across all age groups, has been selected to represent the South African women’s team in the Billie Jean King Cup in Cyprus.
The young tennis star told Bloemfontein Courant that while the opportunity is an honour, missing the Junior Nationals is bittersweet.
“It’s a bit disappointing not being able to play in the Junior Nationals, especially since it’s my last year. It would have been nice to compete against other South African players because, as you get older, you don’t really get that opportunity as often,” said Le Roux.
“But yes, I’m super excited to be part of the Billie Jean King Cup team – it’s an honour. We have a strong team, and it’s going to be tough. We have two sisters, Mari-Louise and Jahnie van Zyl, as well as Abigayel Vosloo and Kaitlyn Ramduth, who are all very tough competitors.
“We’re just going to give it our all and try to make South Africa proud.”
The 2025 Junior National Tennis Championships will conclude on Monday,7 April. – MORGAN PIEK
