5 July 2019 | Tennis Australia

The globally renowned Rafa Nadal Tour has completed its first Australian stop on the Gold Coast.

As part of Tennis Australia’s long-term relationship with world No.2 Rafael Nadal, Australia will host a series of events for 12/u and 14/u players across the country before a prestigious Masters final alongside the Australian Open in January.

Each stop coincides with a junior tournament and showcases a competitive and educational program while fostering the tour values of sportsmanship, commitment, fellowship and effort.

The week saw junior players Alize Yarwood (Broadbeach Waters, Qld) and Juan Alberto Beltran (Tugun, Qld) win the 12/u titles at the Gold Coast Junior Championships and Hannal Gabel (Sunnybank Hills, Qld) and Kaito Nelson (Ipswich, Qld) win the 14/u titles.

The first recipients of the tour’s Trophy of Values were also announced and included Sarah Bigg (Surfers Paradise, Qld) and Onyx Cheng (Huonbrook, NSW) in the 12/u age group and Madeleine Reed (Hope Island, Qld) and Sam Wensley (Castlecrag, NSW) in the 14/u age group.

“The Values Trophy winners were selected because of how they displayed themselves on court, during off-court activities and to those who upheld the values of sportsmanship, effort, fellowship and commitment,” Rafa Nadal Tour Values Coach Xisco Mercadal said.

“It was a difficult decision to choose one values winner in each age group because everyone  displayed great behaviour this week.

“The first Rafa Nadal Tour event in Australia was a great success and I’d like to thank all of the players, coaches, parents and staff for their support.

“Congratulations to all the tournament and Trophy of Values winners and we look forward to seeing them at the Masters event in January,” Mercadal added.

Rafa Nadal Tour Gold Coast Junior Championships results

12/u girls’ final: [1] Alize Yarwood def [2] Sarah Bigg 3-6 6-3 [10-1]

12/u boys’ final: [1] Juan Alberto Beltran def [2] Max Dimmick 6-2 6-2

14/u girls’ final: [1] Hannah Gabel def. Madeleine Reed 6-1 6-3

14/u boy’s final: [1] Kaito Nelson def. Sam Wensley 6-0 6-1

Rafa Nadal Tour Gold Coast Values Trophy recipients

12/u girls’: Sarah Bigg (Surfers Paradise, Qld)

12/u boys’: Onyx Cheng (Huonbrook, NSW)

14/u girls’: Madeleine Reed (Hope Island, Qld)

14/u boys’: Sam Wensley (Castlecrag, NSW)

The tour will visit Victoria next before travelling to South Australia and New South Wales.

For more information about the Rafa Nadal Tour by Mapfre (Spain) visit www.rafanadaltour.com or www.tennis.com.au/rafa-nadal-tour-australia