Western Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate defeated Ethan Lye (SGP) [5], 6-4 6-0 to claim the prestigious ITF Gallipoli Youth Cup title on Saturday, 21 April 2018 – his first ITF singles title.
“It feels really special [to win my first ITF singles title],” said Tristan Schoolkate. “In particular, winning the Gallipoli Youth Cup only a few days from ANZAC Day made the win more important. I worked so hard preparing on the clay, it was great to be rewarded with the win at this particular tournament.”
The Grade 4 ITF clay court tournament was held from 17-21 April 2018 and saw over 60 local and international players descend upon Melbourne. Schoolkate entered the singles main draw as the eighth seed, defeating the number 1, 3 and 5 seeds to claim the title.
Schoolkate dropped only one set throughout the tournament, against his friend and doubles partner Ken Cavrak (AUS) [1] in the quarterfinal, but took the match 6-3 3-6 6-2.
“The top half of the draw was incredibly tough and I knew every match would be difficult.
“The toughest match of the tournament was the quarterfinal against Ken because it was a tough three setter and he is a great player.”
After an impressive singles win, Tristan and Ken Cavrak (AUS) entered the doubles main draw as second seeds and proceeded to claim the doubles title. Schoolkate and Cavrak defeated fellow Australian’s Will Hann and Cihan Akay [5], 6-3 6-3.
Tristan, a Scarborough local, has trained with the National Academy Perth since age 12 and credits a large part of his success to the Academy.
“I have great hitting partners and coaches at the National Academy that always makes sure I am mentally and physically prepared. I am very lucky with the great team that I have and the travel support they give me. I always have a coach on the road with me and I appreciate that level of access.”
When asked which of the National Academy values; compete, commit and respect, best defined his experience at the Youth Gallipoli Cup, Tristan said compete.
“I competed so hard and beat players that I have previously lost to. The values [compete, commit, respect] have deep meaning to me and I try to live and breath the values. I chased every ball and gave 100% in every training session and match I played.”
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