3 July 2018 | Tennis West

Thirteen of Western Australia’s top junior tennis players have recently returned from Darwin where they competed in three high level tournaments;

1. The Skycity Darwin Open (Gold AMT), 2 June – 6 June 2018
2. The NT Open Championships (Platinum AMT), 7 June – 11 June 2018
3. Darwin Junior International (18/U ITF) Grade 5, 11 June – 17 June 2018

Accompanied by National Academy Manager, Tom George, and Tennis West Coach, Mitch Pleydell, the three high level tournaments took place at the brand new $16.7 million dollar tennis facility at Marrara Sporting Complex.

The first tournament was the Skycity Darwin Open (Gold AMT) which saw a number of players win multiple matches. Highlights included Sam de Andrade progressing through to the quarter finals of the Men’s singles draw, where he lost to number 1 seed Harry Jake Bourchier (TAS), and Lexie Weir making the semifinals of the Ladies singles, also going down to the number 1 seed Lisa Mays (NSW).

In the second tournament, the NT Open Championships, Lexie Weir continued her good form, partnering with Lisa Mays [2] (NSW) to make the final of the Ladies Doubles, losing 6-2 6-3 to Amber Marshall [1] (SA) / Natasha Russell (SA).

Jerome Iaconi [7] and Gen Naraya also made the doubles quarter finals where they went down 6-2 6-4 to Harry Jake Bourchier [1] (TAS) / Jesse Delaney (NSW). Congratulations to both Oscar and Reuben Giorgio who played each other in the final of the 16/U Boys Singles Final with Oscar proving victorious with Reuben unfortunately retiring due to injury. The AMT’s were used as preparation for the main event; the Darwin Junior International Grade 5 ITF.

Sam de Andrade, Ethan Cook, Shanelle Iaconi, Lexie Weir, Tara Gilich, Nadia Rajan and Luna Jovanovic all won their singles matches and progressed through the draw. Lexie and Luna took out seeded players with hard fought victories.

Lexie went on to make the semifinals of the ITF in singles and doubles. Luna made the doubles semifinal with fellow Australian Naomi McKenzie, losing to number 1 seeds Maggie Pearce / Natasha Russell 7-5 6-2.

Shanelle and her partner Jessica Halo played some excellent doubles to make the quarter finals and have a three set match with the top seeds.

Off the court the athletes had a great time experiencing the best of the Northern Territory. The team witnessed one of the many specaticular sunsets at Mindil Beach, followed by the world famous markets where stalls were set up offering international cuisines and activities.

The tour also coincided with the Greek Festival (Glenti) which was held on the Esplanade and had an array of traditional Greek food, dancing and games on offer. The tour concluded with a visit to a National Park where the team swam at Berry Falls and had an opportunity to do some recovery after a tour that included many matches and hours on court training. The city markets and Supercar Tour also provided some great entertainment.

The tour was a great success with eight of the WA players gaining valuable International Tennis Federation (ITF) world ranking points. This will enable the players to gain entry into future ITF’s held in Australia and around the world*. The tour was also a great opportunity to put all that hard work into practice in tournament play and test the players skills against international competition.

The athletes are now back to training at home in Perth and are looking forward to improving their game and competing in the next set of ITF tournaments.

 

*The ITF Junior Circuit is the premier level of worldwide competition among under-18 junior tennis players. The ITF Junior Circuits aim is to improve competitive opportunities and help develop players skills. ITF Junior World Ranking points earned by Australians are converted each month and calculated for the players Australian Ranking. Please note that athletes must have turned 13 years of age before the start of the tournament to be eligible to enter.