Global Representation at Japan ITF Masters 45+ World Team Championship
The ITF Masters 45+ World Team and Individual Championships, which are being held in Japanese capital city Tokyo, are attracting players from around the world.
The Championships, which are taking place from 17-30 November 2024, will mark the first time an ITF Masters World Championships will be held in Asia.
With an impressive 23 entries for the Men's Dubler Cup and 24 entries for the Women's Margaret Court Cup, the event promises to show off some of the best talent around the world in the 45+ age category. Near record numbers for the Margaret Court Cup reflects the ITF Masters Tour's emphasis on increasing female participation in tennis.
An exciting array of nations are preparing to compete at the Ariake Tennis Centre. The inspirational venue, which was home to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, will welcome stalwart countries of the ITF Masters Tour - Australia, Argentina, Great Britain and the USA, for example - as well as new nations entering for the first time at the Championships. Korea, Rep., Hong Kong, Philippines and China, P.R. will all be represented in Tokyo. Host nation Japan will hope to put in a strong display on home turf.
Nominations for the Team Cups are exceptionally strong. On the men's side, the Netherlands boast two former World Champions in Bart Beks and Marcus Hilpert. Spain will boast serial World Champion Roberto Menendez Ferre, former ATP 407 Xavier Audouy will captain France, and the USA field ITF Masters top-tenner Wojtek Bratek.
Philippines will look to spring a surprise - former MT700 Aichi winner Rolando Jr. Ruel leading the way. Japan will be dangerous too, with home advantage spurring on a strong-looking team. Former ATP top 800 player Naoki Arimoto will take the number one position and lead the home charge.
On the women's side, the competition is fierce. Returning champions France look formidable with former top 300 WTA star Ségolène Berger and World Championships stalwart Carine Maisonnave forming a strong top two.
2023 runners-up Germany are aiming to go one better this year, with ITF #5 Mirja Wagner spearheading the team. Elsewhere, the Asian teams will be hoping to upset the European heavyweights. China, Japan and Korea are all in the mix to become the dark horse in 2024.
Entries are still open for the 45+ World Individual Championships, meanwhile. Large entries have already been received, with over 80 entries in the men's singles and 40 in the women's singles at the time of publication. Representatives from Asia, Europe, North America, Central America, Africa and Australasia give the Championships a truly global feel.
The entry deadline for the Individual Championships is Monday 18 November 2024 at 10.00hrs GMT.
For more information on the ITF Masters 45+ World Team and Individual Championships, please visit our dedicated World Championships website.
To enter the ITF Masters World Individual Championships, which offers 1600 ranking points for the winners, please click here.