5 April 2011 | Tennis Queensland

After rain, wind and 3 weeks of waiting, the Azzura Totally Teeth JDS event is complete!

There were some excellent performances and exciting matches in all divisions and nearly 200 players participating.

Many great battles took place on the final day beginning with an epic 9/U semi-final between rising stars Jacob Bradshaw and Alexey Shtengelov.  After a strong fight back from Alexey, Jacob had to call on his main weapon (one of the best backhands on the Gold Coast) to dispatch the pocket rocket from Russia 6-4 7-6.

Jacob was also given the Totally Teeth Brightest Smile Award for excellent enthusiasm, sportsmanship and performance! Well done Jacob!!

Alex Furst was first in the 9/U final but could only manage second place playing up a level in the 11/U Doubles final with team mate Bradshaw. Competitors one minute and partners the second, watch out for these two talented youngsters!! 

The Cade Birrell and Rocco Taplin 11/U final was played on the adjacent court. As spectators clambered to catch a glimpse of the action, Rocco (the new Nadal) pushed hard, chased down every ball and crushed his forehand at every opportunity.  Cade played the role of Federer in this classic with his classy all court game and natural variety. Cade introduced numerous net rushes, drop shots and unparalleled consistency, but in the end, the brute power and athleticism of Rocco saw him to victory. However, one suspects there will be many more battles between these two great mates before this rivalry is finished.

The 11/U girls event is also seeing some fantastic competition and great matches.  One of the fittest players in the series, Olivia Mann took on the number 1 seed Daniela Kovacevic in the final. Olivia turned the tables this time around coming out on top in 2 close sets.  Both players are now on the same points in the 11/U Girls Points Race!!

Can anyone catch Lara Tupper? Undefeated in the13/U, Lara is being chased by Summer Loggins, Shannen Meyer and Olivia Gadecki, but after two wins in a row, she is now favourite to end up Series winner by year’s end.

Ishvar Nedunchezhian and Bennet Stone won the 15/U Boys Doubles 1-6 6-4 10-7 over John Luke Sloss and Nicholas Thorpe in a tough encounter.

Cameron Becker-Jones is leading the way in the 17/U Boys sitting comfortably on 200pts, although he had a very tough match in the final against Nick Tsouvelis.  Cameron has represented the GC at the Rocky Finals and Junior Teams Carnival more than any other player and has been a fantastic supporter and competitor of the Gold Coast team. Go CBJ!

Nomination forms for the Queensland Junior Teams Carnival – Gold Coast team will be available on the  Gold Coast Region Website soon.

Well done to Chris Steel and the Azzura/Pat Cash TA team for hosting a good event.

Please click here to check your position in the Gold Coast JDS Points Race or to enter the next event online (Miami).

Have a great day!!

Nathan