2026 Grand Slam Player Development Programme: Player Grant Recipients announced

Established in 1986 by the four Grand Slam tennis tournaments, together with the International Tennis Federation (ITF), the GSPDP aims to provide more players from developing tennis nations and regions with greater access to competitive pathways at an international level, inclusive of the Grand Slams.

The GSPDP, which is operated by the ITF has delivered more than US$68 million to strengthen and grow player development since it began.

A total of 104 former and current grant recipients - 59 men and boys and 45 women and girls - will participate in this year’s Australian Open men’s, women’s, and junior singles competitions.

Among recipients of this year’s Grand Slam Player Grants is Xinran Sun from China. The 15-year-old, who received a US$50,000 grant in 2025, concluded the year by winning back-to-back W15 events on the ITF World Tennis Tour, becoming the youngest player in Chinese history to do so, and also lifted the prestigious Orange Bowl title.

Other notable recipients include Luis Guto Miguel, who became the first Brazilian to win a major J500 junior title in a decade at the J500 Mérida in late 2025, and Oluwaseun Peter Ogunsakin, currently ranked 82th on the ITF Junior Circuit and the second-highest ranked Nigerian junior since combined rankings were introduced in 2004.

The following three players will receive grants of US$50,000 as a contribution towards their competition-related costs:

Nicolai Budkov Kjaer (NOR), a 2025 ATP NextGen participant; Ivan Ivanov (BUL), winner of the 2025 Junior Wimbledon and US Open; and Lilli Tagger (AUT), 2025 Junior Roland-Garros champion.

In addition, the following 11 players will receive grants of US$12,500:

Luisina Giovannini (ARG), Tararudee Lanlana (THA), Yasmine Kabbaj (MAR), Natalia Sousa Salazar (MEX), Elyse Tse (NZL), Corban Crowther (NZL), Seydina André (SEN), Yashwitha Reddy (NZL), Jahnie Van Zyl (RSA), Julianny De La Cruz Champagne (DOM), and Noa Milburn (NZL).

The GSPDP is operated by the ITF on behalf of the Grand Slam tournaments, overseeing all aspects of the programme, including nominating the players to be awarded a grant. Eligibility is determined by age, gender, and ranking, with junior grants available to girls aged 14-17 and boys aged 15-18, while professional grants are open to women aged 18-21 and men aged 19-22.

In 2025, eight GSPDP grant recipients broke into the Top 100 rankings, including Joao Fonseca (BRA), who finished the year ranked number 30 in the ATP rankings, and Alexandra Eala (PHI), who reached number 49 on the WTA rankings.

ITF President, David Haggerty, said: “The 2026 Grand Slam Player Development Programme celebrates a remarkable group of players from around the world. Delivered in partnership with the four Grand Slam tournaments, the programme is a key part of the ITF’s long-term player development strategy, providing essential support to help talented juniors and emerging professionals compete at the highest level.

“It’s exciting to see so many grant recipients competing at this year’s Australian Open, and equally inspiring to watch former recipients go on to achieve Top 100 rankings and success throughout the year. The programme reflects both ours and the Grand Slams’ commitment to nurturing the next generation of tennis talent and expanding opportunities for players from all regions, and we look forward to following them as they continue to develop and make their mark on our sport.”

To learn more about the Grand Slam Player Development Programme, click here.

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