ITF Announces Class of 2025: Meet the Rising Stars of Tennis
In an exciting announcement this week, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) revealed the five players selected as the Class of 2025. Victoria Mboko, Janice Tjen, Lilli Tagger, Arnaud Bailly, and Luka Mikrut have been recognized by a panel of experts as the “promising and breakthrough” talents of the sport.
Victoria Mboko: The Canadian Sensation
At just 19 years old, Canadian player Victoria Mboko has already made a name for herself in the tennis world. She kicked off the year with four consecutive ITF World Tennis Tour titles and went on to win a WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal. Mboko also impressed at the French Open, reaching the third round.
One of the highlights of Mboko’s season was her remarkable performance in Montreal, where she secured the WTA Match of the Year title by defeating Elena Rybakina in a thrilling match that left home fans ecstatic.
Janice Tjen: Making History for Indonesia
23-year-old Janice Tjen has been making waves on the ITF World Tennis Tour, claiming five consecutive titles and achieving a 27-match winning streak. Tjen also made history at the U.S. Open by becoming the first Indonesian player to compete in a Grand Slam main draw since 2004. Her victory over No. 24 seed Veronika Kudermetova was a standout moment in her career.
In November, Tjen added another feather to her cap by clinching her first WTA Tour trophy, solidifying her status as a rising star in the world of tennis.
Lilli Tagger: The Young Austrian Prodigy
17-year-old Lilli Tagger from Austria has been turning heads with her impressive performances on the WTA Tour. Despite her young age, Tagger made history as the youngest WTA Tour-level finalist of the season when she reached the final in Jiujiang, China, in October as a wild-card entry.
Arnaud Bailly and Luka Mikrut: Rising Stars from Belgium and Croatia
Arnaud Bailly, a 20-year-old player from Belgium, had a stellar season in 2025, with a record of 60-19 and nine final appearances. Bailly’s remarkable performance saw him climb in the rankings from No. 802 to just outside the top 200, showcasing his potential as a future star of the sport.
21-year-old Croatian player Luka Mikrut also had a standout season, collecting four ITF World Tennis Tour titles without dropping a set. His dominant performances in March and April caught the attention of tennis enthusiasts around the world.
These five talented players join the ranks of past ITF Class of recipients, including Mirra Andreeva, Iva Jovic, Learner Tien, and Jakub Mensik. As they continue to hone their skills and showcase their abilities on the court, tennis fans can look forward to witnessing the exciting journeys of these rising stars in the years to come.
Victoria Mboko: Rising Star from Canada
Victoria Mboko, the Canadian sensation, has been making waves in the tennis world with her exceptional skills and determination. At just 19 years old, Mboko has already achieved remarkable success on the ITF World Tennis Tour and the WTA circuit. Her ability to compete at the highest level and secure victories against top-ranked opponents showcases her potential to become a future star of the sport.
With her recent victories and impressive performances, Victoria Mboko has captured the attention of tennis fans worldwide. Her dynamic playing style, powerful shots, and mental toughness on the court set her apart as a player to watch in the coming years. As she continues to develop her game and gain experience on the professional circuit, Mboko’s journey promises to be filled with exciting moments and breakthrough achievements.
Janice Tjen: Trailblazer for Indonesia
Janice Tjen, the 23-year-old tennis prodigy from Indonesia, has been rewriting history with her remarkable achievements on the court. Her dominance on the ITF World Tennis Tour and her successful debut in Grand Slam tournaments have solidified her reputation as a rising star in the world of tennis. Tjen’s dedication, work ethic, and strategic gameplay have earned her a place among the top players of her generation.
As Janice Tjen continues to make strides in her career, she serves as an inspiration to aspiring tennis players in Indonesia and beyond. Her perseverance, resilience, and passion for the sport exemplify the qualities necessary to succeed at the highest level of competition. With her sights set on even greater accomplishments in the future, Tjen’s journey is sure to be filled with groundbreaking moments and memorable victories.
Lilli Tagger: Emerging Talent from Austria
Lilli Tagger, the young Austrian prodigy, has been making a name for herself with her impressive performances on the international tennis circuit. Despite her age, Tagger’s maturity, skill, and composure on the court have earned her recognition as a player with immense potential. Her breakthrough as the youngest WTA Tour-level finalist of the season is a testament to her talent and determination.
As Lilli Tagger continues to develop her game and gain valuable experience competing against top-ranked players, she is poised to become a formidable force in the world of women’s tennis. Her natural talent, hard work, and commitment to excellence set her apart as a rising star to watch in the years ahead. With her sights set on achieving even greater success, Tagger’s journey promises to be filled with exciting opportunities and significant milestones.
Arnaud Bailly and Luka Mikrut: Talents from Belgium and Croatia
Arnaud Bailly, the rising star from Belgium, and Luka Mikrut, the promising talent from Croatia, have been making their mark on the tennis scene with their outstanding performances and impressive results. Bailly’s consistent success on the court and Mikrut’s dominant performances have garnered attention from fans and experts alike, solidifying their positions as players to watch in the future.
As Bailly and Mikrut continue to refine their skills, compete in prestigious tournaments, and climb the rankings, they are poised to become forces to be reckoned with in the world of professional tennis. Their dedication, talent, and competitive spirit set them apart as athletes with the potential to achieve great success and leave a lasting legacy in the sport. With their promising futures ahead, Bailly and Mikrut are sure to captivate audiences and inspire the next generation of tennis stars.
As the Class of 2025, Victoria Mboko, Janice Tjen, Lilli Tagger, Arnaud Bailly, and Luka Mikrut represent the future of tennis, embodying the passion, talent, and determination required to excel at the highest level of the sport. With their unique skills, remarkable achievements, and unwavering commitment to success, these rising stars are poised to make a lasting impact on the tennis world and create a legacy for themselves that will inspire generations to come.
