3 May 2021 | Tennis West

Victorious at the Rafa Nadal Tour hosted at the State Tennis Centre (Burswood) over the weekend, eight West Australian junior tennis players have aced the opportunity to compete at the Rafa Nadal Tour Masters event to be held ahead of the Australian Open in Melbourne next year.

The 12/u and 14/u Junior Gold Tournament saw more than 90 junior hopefuls contest the four day event, with Amy Findlay and Rishi Makesar claiming the 12/u girls and boys respective titles and Peyton Duckett and Jake Dembo winners of the 14/u events.

Awarded to players who best embody the values of the Rafa Nadal Tour of sportsmanship, commitment, fellowship and effort, Karin Hiramatsu, Benjamin Galvao , Jaun Yum and Caleb Sewell have also earnt the opportunity to compete in Melbourne, receiving the highly regarded Rafa Nadal Tour Trophy of Values award.

The globally renowned junior circuit program first introduced to Australia in 2019 and designed under the expertise of 20-time Grand Slam champion, Rafael Nadal, offers a competitive playing environment whilst also fostering and educating junior players on the important values of the tour.

Staged across the states and territories of Australia the event also provides players with the opportunity to compete for valuable junior ranking points, whilst learning and participating in set activities aligned with the values of Nadal.

“I am very happy to see the Rafa Nadal Tour 2021 return to every state in Australia. I want to encourage everyone to play under safe conditions and I hope everyone will enjoy the tour, have the chance to make many friends, to compete, and to share great experiences. I wish everyone the best of luck and hope everyone enjoys the event,” world No.2 Nadal said.

“Rafa is such a legend of our sport, and so highly respected for his behaviour and attitudes on-and-off court,” Rafa Nadal Tour Australia Manager David Boyes added.

“It’s great to be able to deliver the Rafa Nadal Tour in Australia, and really focus on the four values that Rafa embodies, in sportsmanship, commitment, fellowship and effort.

“Whilst the tour has a focus on providing healthy, competitive opportunities for our young players, it also places equal importance on building educative values into the week, allowing our players to grow.”.

In conjunction with the return of the Rafa Nadal Tour, junior ITF events have also returned in Australia, with upcoming events planned in Mornington (Vic), Darwin (NT), and Queensland.

For more information about the Rafa Nadal Tour by Santander visit www.rafanadaltour.com or www.tennis.com.au/rafa-nadal-tour-australia