Join us as the world's brightest university tennis stars converge in Reims for the Master’U BNP Paribas Championships, where Team Australia aims to showcase their talent and compete for global glory.
The renowned Master’U BNP Paribas Championships will once again take the spotlight from November 29 to December 1, 2024, in Reims, France. Recognized as 'The Global Event of University Tennis,' this tournament gathers the best university tennis talent from across the world. As the 17th edition of the event begins, it is set to present an exciting lineup of student-athletes, including Team Australia, who have solidified their status as one of the main competitors in the tournament.
Australia is set to compete alongside seven other nations—Germany, Belgium, the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Switzerland—on the international stage. For the third year in a row, the 'RacquetRoos' are ready to showcase their skills, featuring a roster of elite talent sourced from prominent university systems, including NCAA schools. Following notable performances in the previous two years, where they achieved third and fourth places in 2022 and 2023, respectively, Team Australia approaches the 2024 competition with lofty ambitions.
This year, Australia is represented by a talented group of experienced college tennis stars, including Maya Joint (University of Texas), Petra Hule (formerly of Florida State University), Lily Fairclough (University of Southern California), Jeremy Jin (University of Florida), Casey Hoole (University of South Carolina), and Derek Pham (Oklahoma State University). These athletes possess extensive experience, cultivated over years of competition at the top tier of university tennis.
Maya Joint, representing Australia for the first time, shared her enthusiasm for this opportunity. 'I am thrilled to compete for Australia in the Master’U BNP Paribas event. This will be my first official experience wearing the green and gold, which holds great significance for me,' she remarked. Joint, who has excelled in her transition from junior to senior tennis, reflected on the remarkable growth and memories she has collected this year, which have only strengthened her resolve to excel for her nation.
The coaching team comprised of David Hodge, Director of Athletes Agency International, and Chris Mahony, NTA Coach and Head of US College, will guide the group in what is anticipated to be an exhilarating competition. Hodge, contemplating Australia's proud legacy in college tennis, expresses enthusiasm for the team's potential. 'Australia has produced some of the sport's most legendary figures through this pathway, and we are keen to uphold that tradition,' he remarked. Having achieved strong placements in the past two years, Hodge believes this year's team is well-positioned to compete for the championship.
Chris Mahony, who is coaching at the Master’U BNP Paribas Championships for the first time, also shared his excitement about the event and his teamwork with Hodge. 'This competition is an essential component of Tennis Australia’s College Program, and David’s dedication to college tennis has significantly influenced Australia’s participation in this tournament,' Mahony stated. The collaboration between Hodge and Mahony, combined with the skilled players on the team, positions Team Australia as a strong contender as they aim to solidify their status in international university tennis.
With the competition approaching, Team Australia is fully prepared to face the world. Combining seasoned experience with rising talent and a relentless team spirit, the RacquetRoos are set for another impressive performance on the international stage. Regardless of whether they win the trophy, their participation in this esteemed event reinforces Australia's status as a dominant force in the realm of college tennis.
