Roland-Garros Junior Series by Renault Tokyo Concludes: Japanese Players Secure Spots at 2025 French Open
Making full use of home conditions, Japan’s Lisa Kamigata and Hyu Kawanishi secured their spots in the singles main draws of the 2025 Junior French Open after winning the inaugural Roland-Garros Junior Series by Renault, which concluded in Tokyo on October 20.
The Roland-Garros Junior Series — a qualifying event for the Junior French Open, expanded to Japan after its success in Brazil 2022. Roland Garros together with the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF) and the Japanese Tennis Association, was focused on providing top Asian Juniors the chance to experience competitive clay court in Tokyo.
The event saw a total of 32 players, 16 boys and 16 girls from around Asia, competing in a round-robin format with four players per group for a coveted spot in the prestigious Grand Slam tournament.
After a thrilling round-robin stage, the top players from each group advanced to the semi-finals followed by finals. Lisa Kamigata and Hyu Kawanishi emerged as the champions in the girls’ and boys’ categories, respectively.
In the girls’ category, the top four semi-finalists were Mutsumi Uemura, Lisa Kamigata, Kurea Hayasaka, and Aoi Watanabe, all from Japan. Lisa Kamigata defeated Mutsumi Uemura 6-4, 6-2 in the semi-finals, while Kurea Hayasaka outplayed Aoi Watanabe 6-2, 7-6(7).
In the final, Lisa Kamigata defeated her compatriot Kurea Hayasaka in a gripping match 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
In the boys’ category, the top four semi-finalists were Ryo Tabata, Kayu Yanagi, Hayu Kawanishi, and Damir Zhalgasbay. Ryo Tabata defeated Kayu Yanagi 6-1, 6-2 in the semi-finals, while Hayu Kawanishi defeated Damir Zhalgasbay in a thrilling three-set match 6-4, 2-6, 6-2.
In the final, Hayu Kawanishi took down top-seeded Ryo Tabata in a thrilling three-set battle 4-6, 6-1, 7-6(7).
The tournament, a joint initiative by the French Tennis Federation (FFT) and the Asian Tennis Federation (ATF), aimed to provide Asian players with a greater opportunity to compete at the highest level of junior tennis.
The focus on Asia comes in response to the region’s comparatively smaller representation in the top rankings compared to Europe and North America.
Kei Nishikori, the first Asian tennis player to win an Olympic medal and the only Asian to reach a Grand Slam singles final in ATP history, served as the tournament ambassador.
The inaugural Roland-Garros Junior Series in Tokyo was a resounding success, showcasing the talent and potential of Asian junior players.
Congratulations to Lisa Kamigata and Hyu Kawanishi on their impressive achievements. We wish them all the best as they prepare for the 2025 Roland-Garros Juniors.
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