Junior players from around the world will compete in Anguilla this month as the island hosts two back-to-back ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors J30 tournaments.
Cup 1 runs from 15 to 21 November, followed by Cup 2 from 22 to 28 November, with both featuring boys’ and girls’ under-18 draws, round-robin qualifying and 32-player main draws.
Matches will be held at the Anguilla Tennis Academy in Blowing Point, with the finals taking place at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Anguilla.
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The Anguilla Cup forms part of the Caribbean Cup Tennis Series and is supported by the Anguilla Social Security Board, Anguilla Tourist Board and other local partners.
In a press release on 11 November, Anguilla Cup tournament director Andrei Alexe said organisers are delighted to return to the island.
“The Anguilla Cup is about supporting young players, from right here at home and across the Caribbean, with a world-class stage to compete, grow and chase their goals,” he said.
Jameel Rochester, director of tourism at the Anguilla Tourist Board, said the Anguilla Cup will attract players and their families to the island while encouraging them to visit again.
“Beyond the matches, they can enjoy our beautiful beaches, discover our exceptional cuisine and experience the warmth of our people,” he said.
He thanked the partners for their support, adding: “Together, we are introducing new visitors to the island and building lasting connections that extend well beyond the tournament.”
Anguilla Tennis Academy has repaired and resurfaced its six hard courts with a new blue-and-green acrylic finish and fresh lines, and renovated facilities and bathrooms ahead of the cup.
Founder and president Mitchelle Lake said more than US$100,000 had been raised through local, regional and international support for the improvements.
“Next week, we will welcome young players from around the world to compete at our newly renovated facility,” he said.
Lake described the upgrades as a significant milestone for the academy and the island, with lasting benefits expected beyond the tournament itself.
“Our children will have improved facilities where they can develop their skills, build confidence, compete and discover the opportunities that tennis can create,” he said.
“I am deeply grateful to everyone who believed in our vision and helped make this possible.”
The tournament will also open its doors to the local community with two free events.
On 20 November, the Anguilla Tennis Festival, presented by the Anguilla Tourist Board, opens with a junior tennis clinic at 4pm, followed at 5pm by an exhibition match.
The clinic is open to up to 40 children of all ages and skill levels. No experience is needed, and rackets are provided.
The clinic gives Anguillian children a first taste of the sport and a pathway into the Anguilla Tennis Academy’s year-round programmes.
Anyone interested can register their spot here.
Sports minister Cardigan Connor said: “Sport has the power to open doors for our young people, and events like the Anguilla Cup help show them what is possible.
“By welcoming international competition and introducing more local children to tennis, we are strengthening our sports tourism offering while encouraging the next generation to discover their potential.
“That is the kind of legacy we want to build.”
Michelle Owen-Vasilis, president of the Anguilla National Tennis Association, said the organisation is pleased to help welcome international players and their families to experience the island’s hospitality and tennis community.
“Hosting back-to-back ITF World Tennis events elevates Anguilla’s position in Caribbean tennis,” she said.
“The Anguilla Cup represents a landmark moment for our sports landscape, bringing a world-class ITF junior competition to our shores while inspiring the next generation of local talent.
“We can’t wait for everyone to witness this spectacular competition of elite tennis.”
