Buchnik becomes first Israeli to claim a J500 singles title
History was made on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors as Mika Buchnik became the first Israeli player – boy or girl – to win a J500 singles title after lifting the Osaka Mayor’s Cup.
Buchnik defeated Australia’s Alana Subasic 6-3 6-7(1) 6-2 in the girls’ final to claim the biggest title of her career and her first for more than two years. She last topped a singles podium at J100 Cancun in April 2022.
Victory completed a significant upturn in form for the 17-year-old who reached the final of J200 Durban and the semi-finals of J300 Durban earlier in September. Buchnik now occupies a career-high No. 26 in the ITF World Tennis Tour girls’ rankings.
“It has been an amazing experience,” said Buchnik. “It is my third year playing here and it has been the best one. Thank you everyone for coming, thank you everyone for this tournament and thank you everyone for your efforts in making this happen.
“It has been a great week, and I am really glad I could win. It is a really tough time for my country and these days, representing my country, is a pleasure.”
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The winner of the J500 Osaka boys’ title was Roh Hoyoung of Korea, Rep. who, like Buchnik, claimed the biggest title of his career by defeating Great Britain’s Oliver Bonding 7-6(2) 7-6(3) in the final. Roh only dropped one set all week.
“I’m beyond grateful to have finished this tournament with the singles title and a runner-up in the doubles,” said Roh, who was partnering Bonding in the doubles. “Huge thanks to everyone who supported me throughout this journey. I couldn’t have done it without your support.
The 18-year-old has risen 16 places in the ITF World Tennis Tour boys’ ranking to a career-high No. 12 following his second singles title of the season. His first came at J300 Porto Alegre in March.
J500 events, like those in Osaka, provide premier playing opportunities for players on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors and offer significant ranking points to those who reach the latter stages and are crowned champions.
In short, J500s are one rung below Junior Grand Slams in terms of the ranking points available and J500 Osaka was the fifth of seven such events on the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors in 2024. The next takes place in Merida, Mexico from 25 November-1 December.
A full list of results from the ITF World Tennis Tour Juniors can be found here.