On Sunday 22nd September Omar JASIKA from Victoria, ranked 230 in the world, faced off against James WATT from New Zealand, ranked 1208 for the mens singles title in the 2024 NT International. JASIKA was the mens single champion of the Darwin International which had wrapped the Sunday prior. WATT had reached the doubles finals of the NT International the night before.
Spectators were expecting a good final. JASIKA stands 1.8m to WATT’s 2.06m – WATT’s height gave him a powerful advantage all week. He has a thundering serve and a lot of power, but also great touch on the court too.
Before play began, the NT Ballkids crew were treated to a warm up with pro tennis player Arjun MEHROTRA.
The first set went all WATT’s way. JASIKA could not wrap himself around WATT’s serve and was standing far back to receive. Everything seemed to go WATT’s way and the crowd could feel a massive upset brewing when WATT sealed the first set with a 6-1 win.
It was important for JASIKA to hold serve and he came back to play the second set very energised and keen to put the pressure on WATT, winning the second set and so the match went to three sets.
It was a fast paced final set with hard hitting and wonderful skills on display from both players. JASIKA had the edge and managed to convert to a win on his first match-point, taking a NT International Championship Trophy 1-6, 6-3, 6-4.
The players and crowd was delighted to have the NT Ballkids crew support the match, as always making sure the match ran smoothly and making it a wonderful experience for players.
Both JASIKA and WATT now go to Cairns for the next Aussie tennis event on the Pro Tour circuit.
“NT International” event background:
The 2024 NT International is the last in a series of professional tennis events being hosted in Darwin. This event has attracted players from around the world who are seeking to build their global tennis ranking by winning matches at this standard.
Players competing in the 2024 NT International have travelled from all over Australia and the world, including USA, Japan, China, Korea, Indonesia and the Netherlands. The main singles draw of the event will be made up of 32 men, 24 who gain direct entry and 8 others who win their way through the 48 player qualifying draw. There is a doubles event which includes a total of 16 teams.
This event is free to watch at the Darwin International Tennis Centre in Marrara.
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