Huge congratulations to 14-year-old Lily Fannin, who has been selected from the Pacific Oceania region to compete in the 14 & Under divisions of two of the most prestigious junior tournaments in the world: the IMG Academy International Tennis Championships (formerly the Eddie Herr) and the Junior Orange Bowl in Florida, USA.

The Junior Orange Bowl brings together around 600 of the world's best 12 & Under and 14 & Under players from 76 countries. Past players include Roger Federer, Andy Murray, Ash Barty, Coco Gauff and Emma Raducanu.  

The criteria for selection is the top ranked 14 year old girl/boy from Oceania.  They are selected by the ITF, one of 12 girls and boys from around the world.  Daniel Hammond is the only other Northland player to have been previously selected.

It's been a huge year for Lily:

Winner of the Manuka Doctor Road to the ASB Classic 2026

Represented New Zealand at the ITF World Junior Tennis Asia/Oceania Qualifying Event in Malaysia

Selected with her sister Lala for the New Zealand U15 team at a team event in Australia

Began competing on the pro tour since turning 14, including ITF women's events and the UTR Pro Tennis Tour, placing third at an event in Sydney in September

Based in Brisbane, Lily trains with her family, with her dad as her coach.

Lily is one of four sisters, alongside Louie, Lala and Leia. They all started their tennis journey here in Whangarei, under the Mairtown club and coached by Pete Stenberg who still coaches, supports and guides her.  Lily trains with her sisters and is coached by Dad Rafe.
The IMG Academy International gets under way on 24 November, followed by the Junior Orange Bowl from 12 to 19 December. 

There will be a fundraiser event hosted at Thomas Neale Family Memorial Park, 4th November, (from 5pm) to raise funds for travel costs to help get Lily to Florida.

Details will be released next week on how you can come and support this rising star.
You can follow her journey on instagram: @pippy_4Is
https://www.instagram.com/pippy_4I
We'll be cheering you on all the way, Lily!