Issue link: http://itf.uberflip.com/i/1506668
32 Summer 2023 ITF World JUNIORS "This event is so important for their development. It is a big education for them as it is the first time they have met with players from the whole world and observed different attitudes and styles. It has been a fantastic week." Kulich's sentiments were echoed by Czechia girls' captain Petra Cetkovska, who reached a career- high No. 25 in the WTA Rankings in June 2012. For a second year running, Cetkovska experienced the winning feeling in Prostejov. "To sum up this week in one word – incredible," she said. "It has been an amazing ride. I know the girls have their qualities, but other teams do as well, and my girls fought incredibly hard and wanted it badly. It really has been an incredible week." "Competitions like this are great experiences for players and they give players invaluable experience and, just to be here competing on the world stage, should give them confidence and motivation for the future." As ever, other storylines emerged. For the second year in succession, Germany's girls finished second which, while disappointing, shows a level of consistency which the players from both years can take forward. Turkiye's boys, meanwhile, were competing at the Finals for only the second time, so what an accomplishment to finish fifth – their best performance – having come ninth back in 2013. For some nations, just being at the Finals and what is a true festival of junior tennis warrants a mention. Pakistan's boys had not reached the Finals since 1996, while Hong Kong's boys were there for the first time since 2001. But, regardless of results, all 96 players on show will remember the experience. Whether it is on-court action, the player party, the closing ceremony or the Q&A with Czech pro player Dalibor Svrcina which formed part of a wider education session, they will take something from their time in Prostejov. n It is a big education for them as it is the first time they have met with players from the whole world and observed different attitudes and styles. It has been a fantastic week. Jiri Kulich, Czechia boys' captain