29 October 2015 | Tennis ACT

Tennis professionals, Alison Bai and Jake Eames are set to lead Canberra Velocity as the team faces a new challenge in the 15-16 season. The Asia Pacific Tennis League has undergone a restructure which will now see Canberra Velocity participating in the North Conference.

The 15-16 Asia Pacific Tennis League now features two Australian conferences – North and South. Each conference consists of two pools of four teams. Velocity has been draw in North Pool B and will face two teams from NSW, and a team from Queensland. The top 2 teams in Pool B will face the top 2 teams from Pool A for a shot at the North Conference title.

The Canberra Velocity Women’s team has a strong history in the Asia Pacific Tennis League making the conference final all 3 years, and winning back to back conference titles the past two years. The team will return all playing members from the 14-15 squad which will be led by world number 328, Alison Bai.

Bai has had one of her best years on tour, reaching a career high ranking of 326 in September as well as taking out her first Pro Tour title in Mildura. Alexandra Nancarrow (WTA 439) has also had a standout year, reaching a career high ranking of 346 in February and winning 3 pro circuit titles in 2015. Ashley Keir will re-join the team after missing last season through injury. Keir has recently been competing on the Pro Tour circuit in Australia. Tyra Calderwood will return for her fourth season with the Velocity. Juniors, Imogen Clews and Maria Vais will be joined by Kaitlin Staines who is currently ranked 291 in the ITF junior world rankings. Sarina Kang, Tallulah Farrow, and Annerly Poulos round out the team.

Poulos, who is just 12 year’s old is currently ranked number 1 in Australia for her age. National Academy Canberra, Head coach, Todd Larkham says “Canberra Velocity and the Asia Pacific Tennis League has played an instrumental part in the development pathway for athletes in the ACT. To have up and coming athletes such as Annerly be part of a team with touring professionals such as Alison and Alex provides them with great experience in a team environment.”

On the Men’s side, Jake Eames will lead the team which has a mix of returning and new players. Eames who is currently ranked ATP 1047 is on the comeback trail after missing most of 2015 due to injury. Eames will be looking to regain the form that took him to a career high ranking of ATP 695 in late 2014. Daniel Guccione will line up for his first season with Velocity. Guccione is currently ranked 46 in the Australian rankings and reached a career high ATP ranking of 1207 in August. Alexander Babanine (ATP 2079) will also join Velocity for his first season. James Frawley, who was one of Velocity’s most consistent performers last year will again line up for Velocity. Dimitri Morogiannis, who is coming off his biggest career win at the Canberra Junior International ITF event is also expected to feature for the team this year. Alexander De Jong, Yuki Okamoto, Alun Jones, Jamieson Nathan, Zac Donaldson, and Luke Sarris are also listed on the team roster.

In speaking about the teams, Larkham said “Given the depth of both the Men’s and Women’s squads I expect both teams to be highly competitive in the North Conference.”

A number of Canberra Velocity players will be in action at the Canberra International from 31 October to 8 November. The Asia Pacific Tennis League commences on November 20^th in Canberra.

2015-16 Canberra Velocity Squad Lists