Gilles Bailly has made history by becoming the first Belgian male – across any category – to be crowned an ITF World Champion after sealing the boys’ year-end world No. 1 spot following a season of consistency.

The 17-year-old may well have ended the campaign with two Junior Grand Slam titles to his name, only to lose in finals at both Roland Garros and the US Open with silverware tantalisingly within reach.

However, three titles – all of which came on clay at J1 level – together with his showings at the Slams and a record that reads 41 match-wins from a possible 53 were enough for Bailly to seal the much-coveted No. 1 spot. ITF World Champion status is also now his.

“It’s an incredible feeling to end the year as a junior world No. 1 and be named an ITF World Champion,” Bailly told itftennis.com.

“I never thought this would be possible. I have been playing on the junior circuit for four to five years and it has been a fun, but long, journey. I could not have dreamed that I would reach this level and have an end to a year like this.”

Bailly follows in the footsteps of Belgian doubles pairing Nancy Feber and Laurence Courtois, who were named ITF World Champions in the junior category in 1992 when the award, which is now combined, was given in both singles and doubles.

Fellow Belgians Elke Clijsters and Kirsten Flipkens have also been named ITF World Champions in juniors, while Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters are past ITF World Champions from Belgium in the professional category. However, Bailly is the first Belgian male to have the honour bestowed upon him.

“I am very proud about this, and it is an incredible feeling generally to be the best player of your age,” said Bailly, who travelled as a hitting partner with the Belgium team to September's Davis Cup by Rakuten Finals Group Stage in Hamburg.

“On the other hand, I realise there is still a very long road ahead of me and the real challenge starts now. However, it remains very special that I am the first Belgian male to be named an ITF World Champion. I will cherish it forever.”

Bailly sealed back-to-back titles at Casablanca and Villena during a hugely productive March, while further success arrived in July as he conquered all before him at Klosters. These three titles are the biggest of Bailly’s fledgling career.

In short, a solid foundation has been set for this tenacious teenager to continue his development and progress along the ITF player pathway in whatever capacity he wishes. After all, he is still eligible to compete within junior tennis during 2023.

“I look back on 2022 with a positive feeling,” he added. “I have had some amazing new experiences, and twice being in the final of a Junior Grand Slam is certainly something I will never forget.

“On the other hand, I also remember the tough battles I have had, and the fact that it is not always very easy to reach your best level from the start of a tournament. Tennis is the most beautiful sport in the world but, at times, perhaps the most difficult one also.”

Bailly is likely to gain further exposure to professional events next season after making his ITF World Tennis Tour debut in August and reaching the quarter-finals at four tournaments in the ensuing months.  

He also received a wild card into the Antwerp Challenger in October where he faced former world No. 7, four-time Grand Slam quarter-finalist and fellow Belgian David Goffin in the first round. Bailly lost but managed to take the match to three sets.

“My first ATP match against my fellow countryman David Goffin was possibly the highlight of the season,” said Bailly. “I never could have imagined being competitive against him, let alone win a set.

“It was a dream come true to be able to play against my Belgian idol in my own country. So many people, including a lot of friends and family, came to support me which was an incredible feeling. It gave me a boost and allowed me to play my best tennis.”

Perhaps playing the likes of Goffin will become commonplace for Bailly in the years to come. Finishing 2022 as the year-end junior world No. 1 and being named an ITF World Champion certainly provide a strong platform from which to launch an assault on the big time. A prosperous future may well await.