Junior tennis in WA is in pretty good shape, judging by the large number of players who turned up at Alexander Park Tennis Club in Menora to compete in the Summer Gold Tournament in January.
The players – some as young as nine and as old as 18 – included some of WA’s top players from around Perth and regional WA, with some even flying in from other States to compete.
“We had about 240 players in the tournament, including 30 junior members of Alexander Park, and just under 500 matches were played on our renowned grass courts,” said tournament director Ken Brown.
“Many people commented on the high standards of play, with spectators and parents being treated to some top tennis by some of our rising stars.”
The tournament is one of the ‘Gold Series’ tournaments conducted by Tennis Australia across the country which allows juniors the opportunity to win Australian ranking points and enhance their opportunity to play in major events.
A feature match in the boys 14 and under finals was the contest between the number one seed Sudock Hong from the Greenwood Tennis Club and sixth seed Rigby Dowland from the Cottesloe Tennis Club.
Rigby was in great form having won his last tournament. However, the power hitting by Sudock and his sheer determination and concentration resulted in a win for him.
In arguably the best match of the tournament, Chelsea Church and Amelia Jones – both from Midland Tennis Club – competed in the final of the girls 16 and Under event
The match was of a very high standard with Chelsea (the number one seed) winning in two close sets.
The girls are part of a successful WA team that was due to go on to compete in a tournament in Melbourne as part of the Australian Open carnival.
“Players spoke very favourably about the conduct of the tournament and especially how well the excellent grass courts were presented,” Mr Brown said.
“Alexander Park Tennis Club has clearly enhanced its reputation of having the best grass courts in the State.”
Mr Brown also paid tribute to many volunteers and parents who had helped make the tournament a success.
“The management of the tournament was a team effort by many of Club members and this ensured a pleasurable and enjoyable event for players and spectators,” he said.
“We were delighted to be given the opportunity by Tennis West to host the tournament for the first time and look forward to holding it again next year.”
Mr Brown said that as part of a special prize, players who had entered both singles and doubles events were eligible to win two coin collections worth $90 each donated by The Perth Mint. The winners were Talia Gibson from Blue Gum Park Tennis Club and Tom Oliver from Midland Tennis Club.
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