Each year, tennis talents from around the globe gather in Stavanger for Tennis Week. This year, the tournament reached new heights, with over double the number of players on the waiting list compared to those who made it into the competition.
The atmosphere is electric at Stavanger Tennis Hall, with all eight courts in full use. Junior players from 52 countries have traveled to Norway for the prestigious Casper Ruud Junior Tour. Among the 224 competitors are some of the best junior players in the world, while an incredible 585 remain on the waiting list. For the first time, the tournament has participants from every continent.
“It’s absolutely extreme this year. We’ve received incredible feedback from the players. It’s a well-run tournament with a fantastic team behind it. I wish we could include more players, but we’ve reached full capacity,” says Ole Storhaug, General Manager of Stavanger Tennis Club.
The tournament, which has been a fixture in Stavanger since 2008, has always been popular, but this year’s demand has set new records.
Praise from Top Talent
Some of the world’s best junior players are competing in Stavanger this week, including 16-year-old Thijs Boogaard from the Netherlands. Ranked among the top 100 juniors globally, Boogaard is returning to Stavanger for the second time and has high praise for the event.
“It’s great here—such a fantastic tournament. I really like it. The courts and the people are wonderful,” says Boogaard, who is climbing the rankings after recovering from a long-term injury.
Currently the highest-ranked player in the U18 category at the tournament, Boogaard views the competition as a valuable opportunity to regain his form.
“It’s a good challenge to be the top seed. It’s also motivating for those who play against me, as everyone wants to win. The matches are competitive, and the level difference isn’t that big,” says the young player, whose ultimate dream is to become a professional tennis player.
A Special Farewell for Local Player Kajsa Helgesen
The tournament has also featured strong performances from local players. Stavanger’s own Kajsa Helgesen had an impressive showing, playing her final match in the tournament on Wednesday morning following a win on Tuesday.
“I want to do my best since this is the last time I’ll play in this tournament. It’s always special to play at home, and it’s great to have support from the club cheering me on—it really gives me an energy boost,” says Helgesen.
Facing tough British competition, Helgesen ultimately lost 0–2 in sets but remained positive. The 18-year-old is in her final months as a junior and is preparing for the transition to senior-level competition in 2025.
“It will be a slightly different level. I just have to keep working hard and play as many tournaments as I can,” she reflects.
The Casper Ruud Junior Tour continues to showcase incredible talent from around the world while inspiring the next generation of tennis players. With a record-breaking year in Stavanger, the tournament solidifies its place as a premier event on the junior tennis calendar.