National Association news BNP Paribas and the International Tennis Federation today announced a new partnership at the grassroots level of international tennis. From 2002 the ITF will re-brand the Boys’ 16 & Under section of its World Youth Cup as ‘Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.’

The World Youth Cup is the premier international team competition for aspiring tennis stars at 16 & Under level and involves qualifying events all over the world culminating in a final week. The current World Youth Cup boys’ 16 & Under champion nation is Chile – who took the title at home in 2001 in front of thousands of fans.

The event was covered live on national television in Chile. By re-branding the competition to mirror the senior event, the stars of tomorrow will get the chance to sample the unique atmosphere of Davis Cup at an early stage in their career.

ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti said, ‘The ITF is looking to inspire in junior tennis the same spirit and tradition associated with DavisCup – this most celebrated of team competitions. Champions of today and the past – from McEnroe, Courier and Ivanisevic to Kafelnikov, Kuerten and Hewitt – have all enjoyed the experience of ITF Junior Team Competitions and are now key Davis Cup players for their nations. Who better to support this initiative than our current Davis Cup title sponsor – BNP Paribas.’

Qualifying Rounds for the 2002 Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas take place in Europe, Asia, North and South America and Africa throughout the year, culminating in a 15 team final week of competition.

The Final of the Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas will be played in La Baule, France during the week commencing 9 September 2002. The Girls’ 16 & Under Tournament will be called the Junior Fed Cup and will run in unison with the Junior Davis Cup by BNP Paribas.

BNP Paribas took over as worldwide title sponsor of Davis Cup in 2002. BNP Paribas is one of the leading European banks located in over 80 countries and has a tradition of partnership with large tennis competitions, especially with the French Open Roland Garros, which the bank has sponsored for more than 28 years. This successful relationship is one of the longest in the history of sport and will be continued.

For further info on ITF Junior Tennis programmes and Junior Davis Cup by BNP Pariba visit www.itfjuniors.com

ITF
T: +44 20 8878 6464
W: www.itftennis.com