THE ROLE OF NATIONAL TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN JUNIOR-TO-SENIOR ATHLETE TRANSITION: PERCEPTIONS AND BARRIERS

The transition from junior to senior competition is a critical phase in an athlete’s career, requiring technical and psychological readiness. In Indonesia, National Championships (Kejurnas) are expected to facilitate this transition. This study examined junior tennis athletes’ perceptions of the 2024 National Tennis Championship in Riau as a transitional platform and identified related challenges. A quantitative descriptive survey was conducted involving 25 junior tennis athletes in the KU 16 and KU 18 categories. Data were collected using validated closed-ended and open-ended questionnaires and analyzed through descriptive statistics and thematic narrative analysis. The findings showed that 68% of athletes had a very positive perception of the championship, while 68% felt very ready to transition to senior competition. Furthermore, 72% considered the event very helpful in supporting their development. Despite these positive perceptions, athletes reported several challenges. Performance anxiety and psychological instability were the most frequently identified barriers (n = 9), followed by disparities in opponents’ strength and competitive experience (n = 7). These findings indicate that junior athletes generally perceive themselves as prepared for senior-level competition and recognize the championship’s developmental value. However, psychological readiness and competitive adaptation remain important concerns. Therefore, targeted mental skills training and structured exposure to high-intensity competition are recommended to strengthen athletes’ confidence, resilience, and adaptability, ultimately supporting a more effective transition from junior to senior tennis competition.