U-17 High Schoolers
2nd Stringers
Kazuya Tokugawa is a High School 2nd year participating in the U-17 camp. One year ago, he was beaten by Byoudouin and has had to crawl his way back up from the Loser. Even though he's quite taciturn, he is unexpectedly quite caring of his upperclassmen.
- Big Brother Instinct: According to extra material, he is inclined to have Ryoma as his little brother because he never had actual siblings, being a single child.
- Big Brother Mentor: He wants to be this for Ryoma.
- Perpetual Frowner: He is similar to Tezuka in this regard. He hasn't been seen smiling yet.
- Suspiciously Similar Substitute: Once Tezuka decides to leave the U-17 camp Tokugawa steps in to be Ryoma's mentor. He is also equally deadpan and stern like Tezuka.
- Tall, Dark, and Handsome: Tall, stern and aloof.
- True Companions: With Oni and Irie.
- Walking the Earth: According to his bio, he has been studying overseas during his whole childhood, having studied in France right before the U-17 camp.
Kanata Irie is introduced as a 3rd year High School Student. He was originally the leader of the 3rd Court. The rest of the camp acknowledge him to be amongst the strongest in the camp despite not being in the 1st Court or a 1st Stringer as it is revealed it is his own choice to stay in a lower court, similar to how Oni Juujiro is much stronger than the court he stays in.
- Dude Looks Like a Lady: His eyelashes are prominent behind the lenses of his glasses, and the form of his face is delicate compared to his teammates.
- Hidden Depths: He wants to be a doctor, so he works part-time at the U-17 cafeteria to save for his education. He also plays Tenor Sax.
- It's All About Me: Irie's play style was developed because he craves attention.
- Red Baron: "The Pierrot".
- Silk Hiding Steel: He looks friendly and delicate, but his tennis level is high, enough to tie with Atobe.
- True Companions: With Oni and Tokugawa.
Oni is a High Schooler first shown in The New Prince Of Tennis and he is amongst the best Japanese school tennis players shown in the series. He is known as "The Gatekeeper from Hell".
- Big Brother Mentor: Fills this role for the middle schoolers, especially for Momoshiro and Kintaro.
- Cool Big Bro: He is this to the orphanage children.
- Fiery Redhead: A literal Red Oni example.
- Friend to All Children: He volunteers for an Orphanage, where all the kids adore him. In Christmas, he dressed as Santa Claus and made wool toys for everyone, and gets touched when all the kids' stockings had as wishes to "have Oni as the Number 1 tennis player".
- Friend to All Living Things: He has a pet hamster named "Kaede".
- Gentle Giant: Despite his intimidating looks, he is actually a really nice guy when you get to know him.
- Hidden Badass:Played with, Oni first appears as apart of the 5th court, making stronger than our protagonist at the moment. Later, it's revealed he used to be 5th on the U-17 team, and then later he's shown to be the old #1, and defeated Byoudouin. In his match with Kintaro, he never really goes all out, hinting that he may still be number 1 in the camp.
- Meaningful Name: His last name "Oni" reflects his reputation as this.
- My God, What Have I Done?: His reaction when he realizes he not only made Tokugawa stronger, but also indirectly made Byoudouin awake his power as well.
- Red Oni, Blue Oni: He literally is the Red Oni next to Tokugawa and Irie's Blue. Ironically, the roles invert regarding Byoudouin, as Oni is the one who has to restrain Tokugawa.
- Scars Are Forever: He has one in his left cheek from his first match against Byoudouin.
- True Companions: With Irie and Tokugawa.
- Younger Than They Look: He is just 18 years old.
Yuudai Yamato was the captain during Tezuka's freshman year. He talks Tezuka into staying in the tennis club as Seigaku's pillar of support, calming him down when he was on the verge of quitting after being injured. Eccentric, insightful, and gentle, Yamato has a unique way of explaining things that even Sumire Ryuuzaki has trouble understanding. He continued to help the tennis club after graduation; in the anime, coach Ryuuzaki asks him for his guidance when they go to a training camp to prepare for the Kantō conference final against Rikkaidai.
- Big Brother Mentor: To Tezuka and Oishi.
- The Captain: He used to be Seigaku's former captain when Tezuka and Oishi joined the team.
- Chekhov's Gunman: He is only shown in flashbacks as Tezuka's main inspiration. He reappears in a filler episode of the anime. In the manga, he returns for the U-17 camp.
- The Glasses Gotta Go: In his reappearance in The New Prince of Tennis, he has dyed his hair red and isn't wearing glasses anymore.
- Hachi Maki: He used to wear a headband when he was younger.
- Sunglasses at Night: Of the Round Hippie Shades kind.
- Younger Than They Look: He's actually only 17.
Sotomichi Nakagauchi is a 3rd year High Schooler known as "The Robot" participating in the U-17 camp. He eventually becomes No. 14-ranked Japan's U-17 Representative.
- Four Eyes, Zero Soul: His glasses give an eery aura around him
- Red Baron: "The Robot"
- The Stoic: He is known as "The Robot" because he rarely does any other expressions.
- Stone Wall: Gets Krauser's Signature Move and he still can go on.
Issa Washio and Suzuki Shun are introduced as the most capable doubles pair of the 2nd Stringers in the U-17. Together are among the very few doubles pairs that can achieve the renowned doubles technique Synchro.
- Anime Hair: In-Universe. Washio has light blue hair with black streaks.
- Heterosexual Life-Partners: They're also capable of using the Synchronization technique.
- Pointless Bandaid: Suzuki. He has one on his nose bridge.
Migihashi is introduced as a 2nd Stringer High Schooler in the U-17 Camp as the strongest member and leader of the 2nd Court in the anime. In the manga, he is only listed as a player who is initially selected to go against the 1st Stringer's Top 10. It is said that players are unable to get points from him on his right side of the court.
- Ascended Extra: While his only appearance in the manga is a cover cameo, his role is expanded in the anime.
- Fanboy: According to his bio, he likes a girlband named "The Chocolates" (who Eiji, Momoshiro and Kaidoh are also fans of)
1st Stringers
Echizen Ryoga is a high school tennis player not mentioned in The Prince of Tennis, first appearing in The Prince of Tennis - The Two Samurai: The First Game, later appearing in an OVA in New York in which Ryoma spots him training. According to his bio, Ryoga is Ryoma's half-brother, who was living with the Echizens after his original mother died, and then moving with his aunt.
In The New Prince of Tennis, Ryoga returns from America as Japan's No. 4-ranked U-17 representative.
- Aloof Big Brother: He is the only one who can get away with pissing off Ryoma. It's subverted later in The New Prince of Tennis, as it's shown that Ryoga and Ryoma used to be very close when they were kids; Ryoma forgot about it since he was still very young.
- Big Brother Mentor: In The New Prince of Tennis, he teaches Ryoma the Glowing Shot. All so he can have Ryoma at his best if they were to face off in the U-17 World Cup Finals and then absorb his tennis.
- Canon Immigrant: His original debut was in the first movie The Prince of Tennis - The Two Samurai: The First Game. After fan acclaim, Konomi decided to include Ryoga as a canon character as well.
- Continuity Snarl: Since the Anime Movie didn't have anything to do with the manga storyline, he is introduced as Ryoma's older brother, who Ryoma didn't even remember at first. In the movie, Ryoma is said to be his adoptive brother, while in the manga Word of God has stated he is his half-brother.
- Enigmatic Minion: His agenda on his appearance as Ryoma entered U-17 Training Camp is all to help him become a stronger player even if it means leaving Japan Team to get Ryoma join the American Team to be part of the U-17 World Cup Tournament. Then later on at the same time Ryoma left the American Team to rejoin Japan Team, Ryoga left also to join the Spain Team who would then on be America's Semi-Final opponents just so he can face off America's best player Ralph...
- In the Hood: In the sequel series, he wears a hood that conceals his face until his proper introduction ...but most readers probably already figured out that it was him, despite having never shown up in the manga up to that point.
- Just in Time: His proper introduction in The New Prince of Tennis happens after he deflects a glowing shot from Byoudouin in the nick of time to save Ryoma and Tokugawa.
- The Nicknamer: He calls Ryoma "Chibisuke".
- Polar Opposite Twins: Subverted since they're not twins, but they look alike a lot. Unlike Ryoma, Ryoga is more expressive and outgoing, loves oranges (Ryoma hates Orange Ponta) and hates speaking English despite living in America.
- Power Parasite: Ryoga's true ability in regards to absorbing the skills of players in the team he's a part of. He plans on doing the same to Ryoma.
- Tall, Dark, and Snarky: After all, he is Ryoma's older half-brother.
- Team Killer: According to Byoudouin, he is this to teams in regards to being a player that doesn't destroy opponents but destroys entire teams.
- Trademark Favorite Food: Oranges. Unlike his little brother, Ryoga loves Orange Ponta (Ryoma only drinks Grape Ponta).
Houou Byoudouin is introduced at the U-17 Camp and he is the Number 1 ranked Youth Representative of Japan, which marks him as Japan's best U-17 player. He is the leader of the First Returning 1st Stringers, who have just returned from an Overseas Expedition. They get back to the camp to be welcomed back by the news that middle schoolers have joined the camp and witnessed them defeat a number of the Top 20. He decides to allow the inclusion of middle schoolers on the list of challengers for their places. It is also known that he utterly defeated Kazuya Tokugawa in the previous year.
- Always Someone Better: He lost to Oni in his first day at the camp, so he trained to try to surpass him.
- Hachi Maki: He uses one to cover his forehead scar, from his first game against Oni.
- Jerkass: Doesn't hesitate to attack opponents who are already down or go full strenght on them despite being visibly injured.
- Meaningful Name: "Byoodouin" comes from the Byoudouin Temple, while his name means "Emerging Phoenix"
- The Rival: With Tokugawa and Oni.
- Theme Naming: His special techniques are also theme-named by foreign countries: Pirates of the World, Bull Fighting of the Spanish, Phoenix of Egypt.
- Walking the Earth: He is said to have visited many countries.
Duke Watanabe is a 3rd-year high school student, the Number 3 of the 1st Stringers and Houou's second in command.
- Aerith and Bob: He is the only member of the U-17 with a foreign name since he is half-French and half-Japanese
- The Big Guy: He is the more muscular of the 1st stringers.
- Red Baron: He used to be called "Destroyer" during his run in the French team.
- Undying Loyalty: He used to play for the French U-17 team, but switched to Japan after Houou saved his sister. Houou's injuries handicapped their match in favor of Duke, after which Duke offered to follow Houou.
- Younger Than They Look: He is 17 years old, but the muscles and beard don't help at telling that.
Moori is a 1st-year high school student and a recent graduate and OB of the Rikkaidai tennis team that won the Nationals a year before the storyline. Introduced as the No.10 of the All-Japan Juniors, together with 3rd-year former Hyotei Academy captain No. 9 Ochi Tsukimitsu, they are the Super High School Doubles Specialists.
- Brilliant, but Lazy: As noted by Renji, he was one of the best players of Rikkaidai, but rarely went to train.
- Fiery Redhead: He is very passionate on the court.
- First-Name Basis, Affectionate Nickname: He calls Ochi "Tsuki-san".
- Jerkass Realization: Seeing how hard Yukimura worked in rehabilitation inspired him to take tennis more seriously and be a better player.
- Nice Guy: Despite his careless attitude, he is actually a very nice person. Renji later realizes that despite not showing it, he used to leave Yukimura sports drinks at the hospital as a way to cheer him up.
- Odd Friendship: With his doubles partner Hyotei's Ochi Tsukimitsu.
Ochi is a 3rd Year High Schooler introduced as the No.9 of the All-Japan Juniors being known as the High School Doubles specialists along with Doubles partner Moori Juzaburou;, together as the Super High School Doubles Specialists. He was the Captain of Hyotei Academy and took them to the Nationals three years prior to the storyline, one year before current Hyotei 3rd years Atobe Keigo, Shishido Ryou, Mukahi Gakuto, Akutagawa Jiroh; and Oshitari Yuushi began attending their 1st year at Hyotei.
- Anime Hair: He has dyed white hair with color streaks. He is stated to change the color periodically.
- The Captain: He was Hyotei's captain before Atobe and the others started going to middle school.
- Odd Friendship: With his doubles partner Rikkaidai's Moori Juzaburou.
- Red Baron: "The Mental Assassin"
- The Stoic: He is always calm during games, which is also how his "Pressure" ability works.
Hara was Shitenhouji's captain during Shiraishi Kuranosuke's 2nd year. He is known as one of Shitenhoji's Legendary Captains along with Taira Yoshiyuki, who was the captain the year before him when Shiraishi and Oshitari Kenya were in their freshman year.
He is the captain that led Shitenhoji to the Nationals the year before Seigaku won. However for unknown reasons, Hara decided to retire from club tennis in the Spring of last year, meaning he didn't captain his team to that Nationals. He is currently a high school 1st year.
- Boke and Tsukkomi Routine: He likes going to comedy shows and practicing his "Tsukkomi" routine.
- The Captain: Part of the Shitenhouji's Legendary Captains.
- Catchphrase: He yells "What the Hell!? Who the Hell!?" when annoyed.
Yoshiyuki Taira is a 2nd Year High Schooler and also an U-17 Camp Representative Candidate for Japan. He went to middle school at Shitenhoji and was the Captain of the Tennis Club during Shiraishi Kuranosuke and Hitoji Yuuji 's freshman year. He always plays tennis while wearing a cap. He is somewhat unserious on the court as he as a habit of pulling funny faces on the court while playing hence the nickname. He along with Hara Tetsuya are known as the Legendary Captains of Shitenhoji. He tends to also make jokes while playing.
He is the captain that led Shitenhoji to the Nationals the year before Seigaku won. However for unknown reasons, Hara decided to retire from club tennis in the Spring of last year, meaning he didn't captain his team to that Nationals. He is currently a high school 1st year.
- Boke and Tsukkomi Routine: He is the Bokke, while Hara is the Tsukkomi.
- Bunny-Ears Lawyer: He is a goof even on court, and he still is one of the Shitenhouji Legendary Captains.
- The Captain: Part of the Shitenhouji's Legendary Captains.
Tanegashima Shuuji was first believed to be just another strong 2nd Stringer in the U-17 Training Camp. However, it is revealed that he was a member of the 1st Stringers and the No.2 of the All-Japan Junior Representatives upon the rest of the Genius 10's arrival. He did not go with the team on their foreign expedition due to his hatred of airplanes.
- The Prankster: He had the habit of stealing Sanada's drinks only to annoy him.
- Teen Idol: According to the fanbooks, he was scouted as a model when hanging out with Kimijima (who is already a celebrity himself), and he usually buys magazines where he appears on the cover.
- Why Did It Have to Be Snakes?: Planes. Also, the reason he stayed in Japan instead of participating in the overseas expedition.
Tohno is a character first shown in the series as No. 8 of the All-Japan Juniors as they return from the Overseas Expedition and arrive at the main courts. His Doubles Partner and close friend is Kimijima Ikuto who appeared with him as the No.7.
- Achilles' Heel: Ikuto tells Marui and Kite to aim for his right knee.
- Blood Knight: All his techniques are named after methods of execution.
- Jerkass: Shoots balls at people for no reason. Even his doubles partner is fed-up with him.
- Hypocrite: He is constantly talking about torture, executions, and his playing style is based on how to injure other players. But as soon as he is hit on his bad knee, he starts wailing and screaming in pain. Seems like the executioner can't take an ounce of pain with dignity.
- Red Baron: "Executioner of the Courts".
- The Sociopath: According to extra material, Tohno is always talking aloud about torture and execution methods... in a family restaurant, right next to a creeped out old lady.
Kimijima holds the title of "The Negotiator of the Court". He is currently cultivating a new path called Intellitennis. He is introduced as amongst the best School U-17 players of Japan and ranked as the No.7 U-17 player as a member of the "Genius 10". Kimijima is also the star of a TV commercial for "Cola Vita".
- Beauty Is Never Tarnished: When Kite decides to break his deal off, he aims a ball at his face, only giving him a small cut on his left eyebrow. Despite depending on his good looks as a model, Kimijima doesn't get mad, and rather looks amused by what Kite did.
- Dye Hard: In-Universe, as he has blond hair and dark sideburns. In the anime his hair is white.
- Manipulative Bastard: He is well known for doing negotiations in or out of the court. He offered deals to both Marui and Kite in exchange of destroying Tohno's knee because he has had it with him as his doubles partner.
- Red Baron: "The Negotiator of the Court".
- The Strategist: He plans ahead for any possible deals with the opponents.
- Team Killer: Incredibly he did it for both sides. He arranged with Kite to pretend to betray Marui and deflect to their side, so Tohno wouldn't have a clue that they were actually planning to aim for his knee and eliminate Tohno from the camp.
- Teen Idol: Kimijima is famous for being an idol and has appeared in many TV spots as a model.
Mitsuya Akuto is the Former No. 17. His special technique was "Data Tennis". With his distinct intellect, he analyzes his opponents to determine the very best method of defeating them.
- Big Brother Mentor: Turns out he was the one who tought Yanagi how to use "Data Tennis".
- Dude Looks Like a Lady: He has a long bob, glasses and a thin body type like Yukimura or Fuji.
- First-Name Basis: He and Yanagi are revealed to have been close, as Yanagi still calls him "Akuto nii-chan" (or "Big Brother Akuto")
U-17 Staff
Itaru Saito is the specialist who plans how the players can improve their play and train their mental mask. He devises who will compete against each other in a match.
- Awful Wedded Life: His bio states he is bad at dealing with his wife.
- The Smart Guy: From the three teachers, he is the Data Expert and keeps tabs on all the players' stats.
Yukio Kurobe is the strategic coach who manages the training camp as well as the camp's substitute supervisor. Analyzing each student's data and planning tactical matches is his main duty.
- Sharp-Dressed Man: He is usually seen wearing a white suit with a light blue shirt.
- The Strategist: He is in charge of tactical planning.
Tsuge is U-17 Camp's Circuit Coach. He also seems to be the adviser for the dorms. He's in charge of training their physicality. He won't go easy on assigning them strict training. Standing together with the players on the court, he's the coach who directs their training.
- Happily Married: His bio says he is married to an American woman and he is very devoted to her.
Nyudoh Mifune is the behind-the-scene coach who guides players with unconventional tennis. He is as tame as a ferocious pet. He is known in the camp as the "Drunken Coach".
- The Alcoholic: He is rarely seen without his canteen. One of his tests
- Extreme Omnivore: He is capable of taking Inui's juice without even flinching.
- Jerkass: In addition to the Training from Hell, he made the guys dig a hole in the ground and bury their team jerseys and pees on them.
- King Incognito: Turns out he was the Head Coach of the U-17 all along.
- Pet the Dog: Later he washes their jerseys and sends them back via air mail.
- Red Baron: "Drunken Coach", "Warden of Hell" and "Hidden Coach"
- Romantic Runner-Up: If the name of his horse is anything to go by, he was this. His love interest was Ryuuzaki-sensei, of all people.
- Stern Teacher: Even though his training methods are extreme, he roots for the boys to make a revolution and prove their true strength.
- Training from Hell: He is in charge of taking the expelled players and train them again so they can regain their spots on the camp.
