I’m excited to share some important updates we’ve just received from World Tennis. These changes will shape the junior game in 2027 and beyond, and they bring real opportunities for our players here in Barbados 
Play by birth year
From Week 1 of 2027, players can enter the World Tennis Tour Juniors based on their year of birth. Anyone born in 2014 can start playing in January, with no waiting until the week they turn 13. The limit of 10 tournaments in that first year stays the same.
Ages 10–14 too
International events for players aged 10–14 will also use birth-year eligibility. The 12&U limit of 10 events per year remains.
Your World Tennis Number (WTN) matters more
From 1 January 2027, WTN will decide singles seeding at J30 and J60 events and half of all entries into those draws. Every match you play at home and in the region now counts more than ever.
More matches per tournament
Most J30 and J60 events will use a round robin group stage followed by knockout rounds. This format gave players 18% more main-draw matches in 2026.
New 12&U World Team Finals in 2028
For the first time, our youngest juniors will have a global team event to aim for. Sixteen boys’ and sixteen girls’ teams will qualify through regional competition.
What’s next
The full 2027 Regulations arrive in mid-November, and new junior calendars will follow in January.
Swipe through the carousel for the key details, and save it for later 
Parents and players, if you have any questions, please DM us or speak with your coach. Let’s make 2027 a big year for Barbados tennis! 
— Craig Smith, President, Barbados Tennis Association
