The pressure will be on in this year’s Pizzey Cup as Western Australia looks to defend their title.
Last year, WA ended a 25-year drought in the School Sports Australian 18 and under Championships, winning the Pizzey Cup for the first time since 1997 on their home court at the State Tennis Centre.
The Pizzey Cup is a prestigious national schools tennis championship open to boys and girls aged 18 and under. A singles event, known as the Australia Cup, runs alongside the Pizzey Cup with both events going towards a player’s UTR.
Teams are made up of eight players and each state plays each other once. At the conclusion of the tournament, an All-Australian team is selected based on these results.
The WA team brings a wealth of talent with 14 of the 16 players selected, having already played in the Tennis West State League.
A key feature of the Pizzey Cup is the mixed doubles format, which is rarely seen in competitive national events.
Squad representative Brendan Jayaprakash was looking forward to being part of a team where the boys and girls participate together and supportive of each other.
“It’s special because mixed doubles events rarely happen, and the team really mixes well. It is also good to see that it is as important as every other rubber, making the matches even more exciting.”
“This is the only event I have ever played where the results for both boys and girls are combined making it even more team oriented and special,” said Brendan.
Fellow squad member Peyton Duckett was honoured to be selected again and represent WA in the Pizzey Cup.
“It’s one of my favourite events to play. Playing in a team is special to me with lots of support from the team, on and off the court.”
“The win last year was an amazing experience, made better winning it at home surrounded by friends and family. It’s an awesome week doing what I love, spending time with friends and making lifelong memories,” said Peyton.
The WA squad travels today to Canberra where the Pizzey Cup commences Saturday May 13 and runs through to Saturday, May 20.
The Pizzey Cup is conducted by School Sport Australia in partnership with Tennis Australia.
WA Squad Representatives
Girls:
| PLAYERS | CLUB |
| Rhea Makesar | Greenwood |
| Peyton Duckett | Alexander Park |
| Tara Aleksic | Peppermint Grove |
| Alice Stevens | Hensman Park |
| Ruby Broadbent | Applecross |
| Jaun Yum | Applecross |
| Riana Tan | Peppermint Grove |
| Alfee Stevens | Hensman Park |
Boy’s:
| PLAYERS | CLUB |
| Nathan Schupelius | Blue Gum/Midland |
| Rory Marles | Blue Gum/Midland |
| Jay Fairclough | Blue Gum/Midland |
| Brendan Jayaprakash | Blue Gum/Midland |
| Cian Ingles | North Beach |
| Luka Vujacic | Greenwood |
| Archie Brown | UWA |
| Scott Black | Greenwood |
Latest
WA