The 2026 RCS Rising Star Tennis Championships are officially underway, with the Eastern Cape becoming the first province in South Africa to host its district events.
A total of 96 teams, comprising 59 girls' teams and 37 boys' teams, participated across five districts, showcasing the growing popularity of the nationwide schools tennis championship. The competition forms part of Tennis South Africa's flagship grassroots development programme for primary school learners and players living with physical disabilities.
The district events provided young players with the opportunity to represent their schools while competing for coveted places in the Eastern Cape Provincial Finals.
In Sarah Baartman Districts 1 and 4, DSG claimed the girls' Green Ball title, while St. Andrews emerged victorious in the boys' competition. GSG won the girls' Orange Ball division, with St. Andrews also securing the boys' Orange Ball title.
Nelson Mandela Bay attracted 14 teams, with Collegiate winning the girls' division and Handhaaf Primary claiming the boys' title.
In Sarah Baartman Districts 2 and 3, Jeffreys Bay Primary enjoyed a dominant performance, winning both the boys' and girls' Green Ball competitions.
Buffalo City saw Stirling Primary A crowned champions in both the boys' and girls' Green Ball divisions, while Lillyfontein secured the Orange Ball title.
The Chris Hani District event has been postponed and will now take place on 20 June 2026.
The RCS Rising Star Tennis Championships continue to play a significant role in introducing young South Africans to tennis and providing competitive opportunities at grassroots level. Through district, provincial and national events, the programme creates a pathway for aspiring players while encouraging participation in schools across the country.
Tennis South Africa extends its congratulations to all participating schools, players, coaches, teachers and parents who contributed to the success of the opening district events.
The federation also thanks RCS Group for its continued commitment to developing grassroots tennis and creating opportunities for young players nationwide.
Schools and players who have not yet entered are encouraged to register for their district events. With R100 000 worth of tennis equipment up for grabs in 2026, the competition promises another exciting year of school tennis across South Africa.
For more information and to enter, visit: https://www.tennissa.co.za/w/play/rising-star-tennis