The cream has risen to the top with four deserved finalists set to compete in the National Tennis League (NTL) South Australian finals this Thursday night at Memorial Drive, Adelaide.
In the men’s, Rostrevor Raiders were the clear standout throughout the season finishing top and they will take on the Somerton Park Sharks who have displayed a panache in the NTL that captures the essence of what team tennis should be about.
The women’s final sees the Flagstaff Freighters, who had an impeccable regular season finishing undefeated, taking on the Trinity Titans which field a squad of local talent who have been dominant on the local scene for some time.
With teams having now submitted their squads, an enthralling set of singles fixtures awaits:
Rostrevor Raiders v Somerton Park Sharks
- Todd Perry v Luke Saville With six ATP titles and four Grand Slam Quarter Final appearances on his CV, former world doubles number 16 Todd Perry brings a wealth of experience but finds himself up against the current golden child of SA tennis in current Junior Wimbledon Champion Luke Saville.
- Colin Ebelthite v Todd Ley In a set of rubbers so engrossing, this one still stands out as the must-see match with two of the most talented South Australians of recent years and both in great form. Ebelthite has been an Australian Open main draw participant whilst Todd Ley has looked a class above in the NTL going undefeated to date.
- Jordan Kerr v Thanasi Kokkinakis 2008 Beijing Olympian Jordan Kerr finds himself up against the prodigious talent of 15 year old Thanasi Kokkinakis who has represented Australia at the Junior Davis Cup.
- Josh Crowe v Lachlan Ferguson Statistically, Josh Crowe is in the top bracket of NTL performers but will be severely tested by Lachlan Ferguson who was snapped up by the Sharks as a guest player on his return home to Adelaide from the USA.
Flagstaff Freighters v Trinity Titans
- Emily Webley-Smith v Leah Daw Webley-Smith brings an impressive pedigree as a touring player including making the second round of Wimbledon and the Briton currently is ranked number 6 at home and 242 in the world. Leah Daw has been the Titan’s number one throughout the NTL and has lead her team from the front winning all but one of her singles rubbers.
- Ashley Keir v Melanie Clayton The Freighter’s number one up until the arrival of Webley-Smith, the 17 year old Keir, who hails from the ACT and is ranked number 35 in Australia, will be an imposing opponent. Melanie Clayton however will call on her vast experience which has included a stint at the AIS and representing Australia at each junior level.
- Olivia Lukaszewicz v Melissa Beadman Former Fed Cup member, Olivia is the Team Captain and has guided the Freighters to an unbeaten run in the NTL. Meanwhile, Melissa Beadman is a formidable opponent who has not lost a NTL singles rubber and when she is not on court, she is representing Australia competing in triathlons.
- Chloe Hule v Louise Stacey At just 14 years of age, Chloe Hule has played exceptionally well in the NTL, but will be tested by former Australian Open player Louise Stacey.
Doubles pairings are confirmed at the conclusion of the singles rubbers and may include other eligible squad members.
The NTL-SA Men’s and Women’s Finals will be played simultaneously over the four centre courts of Memorial Drive from 6.00pm Thursday December 22nd. Entry if Free.
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