After the success of the National Tennis League pilot competition conducted in South Australia in 2011, the nationwide rollout of the concept takes place in November 2012 as the Asia-Pacific Tennis League (ATL) players are now competing for a share in over $100,000 prize money.
The ATL is an innovative elite team based competition taking place comprising of six men’s and women’s teams playing a round-robin format and then the top two teams participating in the SA-Conference Final for the title of SA Champions.
Whilst the 2011 National Tennis League was not particularly successful for the Tigers, they will be approaching the ATL with renewed vigour with some key additions and the retention of their best performing players.
In particular, teen Bradley Mousley, now ranked inside the nation’s top 50 and having an impact at Pro Tour level, looms as one of the competition’s elite performers.
US College product Matt Langley and National Academy Athlete Lawrence Bataljin are welcome additions to the squad and have the potential to inflict some damage on the score board.
Corey Decandia is another young player who got a taste in the NTL in 2011, and his sharp improvement this year has him positioned to potentially use the ATL as a springboard to a place in the top bracket of local players.
A smokey in the competition could be the talented teen Kurtis Wilson – The Port Pirie product will relish the chance to step up to ATL level to test his talent and is a every chance of claiming some scalps along the way.
Club stalwart Martin Richards will contribute strongly as always, and his role in offering leadership and guidance to a young squad will be critical if they are to be in the mix come the end of November.
Martin Richards took some time out to discuss his team in the lead up to the start of the ATL next week.
What about the ATL concept is most appealing to you?
MR: “The ATL gives SA players the opportunity to play tennis at the highest level against some of the most talented players in Australia. The league gives up and coming juniors an elite level of tennis to aspire to play in”.
Has your squad been training together and/or doing any other activities as a group in the lead up to the ATL?
MR: “We have had limited opportunity for all squad members to train together as several of our squad members are on the Pro Tour circuit which makes it difficult to assemble everyone at a given time. Four players in our squad are members of the Broadview Tigers Men’s State League team however, which gives a solid foundation”.
In a squad with so much potential, who do you rate as ‘one to watch’?
MR:” Bradley Mousley has been achieving some outstanding results in recent Futures Tournaments in Australia and abroad. Bradley was a member of our ATL squad last year and boasts an excellent win against Luke Saville in last year’s NTL”.
What do you see as being the strength of your squad as a whole?
MR: “The Broadview Tigers this year have a good blend of youth and experience with Brad Mousley at #1, Matt Langley returning from college in the USA where he won All American status with Middle Tennessee State University, Lawrence Bataljin, an impressive junior who has recorded some excellent results in ITF and Futures Tournaments, Corey DeCandia who has showed outstanding improvement in this year’s Summer Men’s State League. We expect a very close and competitive ATL season. Young guns Jack Dawson, Kurtis Wilson and Lachlan Smith round off the talented youth and depth in the squad”.
Which opponent to you view as your biggest threat?
MR: “Glenlea are once again going to be the team to beat for the SA Conference title. They are packed with arguably Australia’s most talented players. Any squad which includes Luke Saville, Thanasi Kokkinakas, Jack Schipanski, Pan Kokkinakas and Todd Ley is going to give you a tough day at the office”.
The support of sponsors is so important to the teams – are there any which you would like to mention?
MR: “Our major sponsor is The Royal Hotel who have once again supported the Broadview Tigers for a second season in the now ATL competition. We are also grateful to have Olympic Industries, Zen Energy, Auscreen and Jalna who have continued their support with Broadview Tennis Club again this year”.
The Tigers take on Tea Tree Gully in Round 1 of the ATL on Thursday November 30th at Memorial Drive. Play starts at 6.15pm and entry is free!
| Broadview Tigers |
AR |
| Bradley Mousley |
49 |
| Matt Langley |
N/A |
| Lawrence Bataljin |
90 |
| Corey Decandia |
267 |
| Martin Richards |
N/A |
| Jack Dawson |
N/A |
| Kurtis Wilson |
N/A |
| Lachlan Smith |
538 |
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