Selection Policies
WILDCARDS
Definition
- Wild Cards are opportunities which provide a player a chance to compete into the Main Draw or Qualifying at the discretion of the Tennis NZ/Region/Tournament Director.
- The ITF determine the number of wildcards based on the draw size. Tennis NZ determine the number of wildcards for National events.
Player Eligibility
Players must have entered the tournament unless special exemption is granted by Tennis NZ or event organiser.
- ITF events - players are encouraged to email the Tournament Director by the entry deadline and no later than the Freeze deadline
- National events - players must email the Tournament Director prior to the entry deadline
Players who wish to be considered for a Wild Card should contact the below emails, please note it is the player's responsibility to email the correct contact for their request to be considered:
ITF Men’s & Women’s World Tennis Tour in New Zealand
If you would like to apply for a wildcard to World Tennis Tour in New Zealand, please email worldtennistour@tennis.kiwi
18/u Junior ITF events held in New Zealand
If you would like to apply for a wildcard to ITF Junior events in New Zealand – please email wttjuniors@tennis.kiwi
Tier 1 events, Junior Masters or National Championships in New Zealand
If you would like to apply for a wildcard to Tier 1 events, Junior Masters or National Championships in New Zealand please email events@tennis.kiwi
Allocation
For all Junior ITF events, wildcards will be determined by Tennis NZ in consultation with the host.
Applying for a wildcard does not guarantee allocation, wildcards will only be awarded if they are deemed to be warranted. This is regardless of total number of wildcards vs requests. The Selectors decision is final and there is no right of appeal.
Davis Cup/ATP/Men's WTT Wildcard selections:
Kelly Evernden (Captain), Emily Carter (High Performance Manager, Convenor)
Billie Jean King Cup/WTA/Women's WTT Wildcard selections:
Marina Erakovic (Captain), Emily Carter (High Performance Manager; Convenor)
Junior Representative Teams:
Emily Carter (High Performance Manager; Convenor), Matt Alexander (Development Coach), Sebastian Lavie (Independent), Dave Knight (Appointed Team Captain)
The selectors shall have the right to make objective and subjective assessments in making their decisions and to weight each assessment on a case-by-case basis, without in any way creating any form of precedent relevant to the determination of any subsequent case. The size of the team may change depending on the event, age group and available budget but the process will at all times be fair and transparent. When the Selection Committee is deciding on those players to represent New Zealand, they will use the criteria below in selecting the team. Other criteria, which will be communicated, may also apply for certain trips.
Ranking/Ranking progression
Ranking most relevant to the circuit and age group of the trip. Consideration will also be given to players who have achieved good rankings in higher age groups or circuits.
Results
The quality of recent results will be considered, particularly where players have made progress within events close in standard to the trip under consideration. This will normally mean ATP/WTA, ITF, Tennis Europe or Tier 1 and Tier 2 National Junior Events. Results from Australian age-group events will also be taken into account. As a guide, results from the last three-six months will be the most relevant.
Game development
The Selection Committee will consider whether a player has a high level of on- going development in the technical, tactical, physical and mental aspects of the game and a game style that has the potential to be successful in professional tennis.
Physical performance
The committee reserve the right to conduct a full and comprehensive fitness testing battery on potentially selected athletes. This may be used to ascertain preparedness to compete abroad both from an injury and performance perspective. Every attempt will be made to forewarn athletes of required benchmarks prior to 30 days from departure with regard to minimum standards.
Development opportunity
The Selection Committee will consider whether a player shows the potential to develop their game to an international standard and will gain a benefit from being selected for this trip.
Team Selection Process
The physical embodiment of how the teams are selected for age group camps can be found HERE.
National Player Camp attendance
A player’s attendance record will be taken into account at the time of the trip/selection. A player’s attitude and performance at the national player camp will also be considered.
Professional standards/Personal Qualities
Players are expected to display the attitude and conduct required of an aspiring professional tennis player at all times. This will include giving maximum effort, displaying high levels of commitment and respect and having high operating standards. Poor conduct may result in a player not being selected or being subject to further education in this domain during a tour.
Please Note: This policy is an overview of the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup Selection process. Specific tie documentation will be uploaded on this page to provide timings and further details when applicable.
For 2023, New Zealand is allocated 3 wildcard for athletes in each of the boys/girls events in the B2 ITF Junior event. 2 Main Draw spots and 1 Qualifying.
These slots are for New Zealand athletes that have entered the event by the entry deadline will be allocated as follows:
Specifically, for this invitational event the following selection policy shall apply for the NZ wildcard allocations:
Wildcards
For both genders the following process will be adhered to for selection;
- The highest ITF-ranked 17th birth-year (only awarded if inside top 1000 ITF) as at 19 July 2023
- The highest ITF-ranked 16th birth-year (only awarded if inside top 1500 ITF) as at 19 July 2023
- The highest ITF-ranked 15th birth-year
Regardless of age, the two main draw wildcards will be allocated to the highest ranked, with the lowest ranked player receiving the qualifying WC
- In the event no player meets ranking benchmark for the 17th or 16th birth year, TNZ selection panel will allocate the WC at their discretion, under the Development Opportunity category within the selection criteria.
Please note the ranking benchmarks are for 2023 only, due to the short notice provided by the ITF and will be reviewed after this year’s event for 2024.
Singles Wildcard selections will be determined on the 19th July, after the entry close deadline on the 18th July.
Doubles Qualifying
- One wildcard selection to be offered at the discretion of the TNZ Selection Panel in alignment with the selection policy
- Doubles wildcards will be determined onsite following sign-in
Please note: to be eligible for a NZ wildcard, NZ athletes that have entered the event by the entry deadline.
Travelling Coach Selection Policy
Tennis NZ wishes to ensure that we are contributing strongly to an increased likelihood of success on the international stage, as measured by athlete performance against the athlete development criteria. Tennis NZ is also seeking to select and support coaches that demonstrate high levels of commitment toward their own continuous learning and improvement. Additionally, coaches that demonstrate a holistic sense of care for assigned athletes, show a proven willingness to travel to pinnacle domestic performance events and a broader support of Tennis NZ’s national camps and programmes are also important factors to be considered. A proven understanding of the relationship between an athlete’s programme and their developmental priorities is also essential.
New Zealand Travelling Coach Selections:
Emily Carter (High Performance Manager; Convenor, Interim)
The selectors shall have the right to make objective and subjective assessments in making their decisions and to weight each assessment on a case-by-case basis, without in any way creating any form of precedent relevant to the determination of any subsequent case. The size of the team/number of coaches may change depending on the event, age group and available budget but the process will at all times be fair and transparent. When the Selection Committee is deciding on coaches to represent New Zealand, they will be guided by the philosophy outlined above. Other criteria, which will be communicated, may also apply for certain trips. Coaches should also be aware that they will be required to provide a police check (automatically occurs upon registration for Tennis NZ national programmes) and sign Tennis NZ's code of coaching ethics as a part of their contractual responsibilities.
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