The Tennis West State League is set to kick off another thrilling season with the opening round of matches beginning this Friday.
The season begins with UWA hosting Mt Lawley/Sorrento in the men’s while last year’s women’s premiers Hensman Park will host Royal Kings Park.
After a one-year hiatus, Royal Kings Park return to the men’s competition and will open their campaign with a home game against last year’s finalists Peppermint Grove on Saturday. The other Saturday men’s match features reigning premiers Cottesloe host Alexander Park – two teams familiar with grass courts.
In the women’s, Dalkeith host Peppermint Grove on Saturday afternoon while Alexander Park will welcome new team Cottesloe to their courts.
Speaking at the State League launch on Tuesday, Royal Kings Park men’s captain Jake Robinson was glad to be back at his home club and confident with the side’s chances this season.
“Last year I was at Peppermint Grove, initially it was a bit frustrating but a good experience at the same time playing for a different club and getting a different feel but very glad to be back home at (Royal Kings Park) the club I coach at and a club I’ve been played for the last nine years.”
“I’m confident that we can definitely have a crack this season. Cottesloe and Peppermint Grove will be tough, but as a team we are not far away from them.”
“If we unite as a team, we have a good chance especially with the likes of Hans Bustiman, Luca Vujacic and Zach Itzstein as a late in we should have a strong side this year,” said Robinson.
Dalkeith women’s captain Lauren Nikoloski was excited for the upcoming season and new additions to the side.
“The team is shaping up really nicely. We have a new addition to the team in Tara Aleksic who comes from Peppermint Grove, and she will bring great competitiveness and spirit.”
“We have kept a similar team to last season so hopefully another season with a similar team will continue to create strong team comradery.”
“With regards to my personal game, I’ve been trying to balance it all up as I have been doing a lot more hours coaching and have been dedicating my time to university studies,” said Nikoloski.
Alexander Park’s Jana Ruzic was excited about the opportunity to play for a new team after moving from Royal Kings Park in the off season.
“Most of our players in the team have moved for this season but we are really excited to get the team together to train and play and build the team dynamics.”
“It’s great to have Peyton Duckett, who’s been at Alexander Park for a number of years now, to lead the team. She is a great player; she plays well on grass and has good experience playing as the number one seed.”
“Hopefully as a younger side, it can give us a bit of an advantage being able to run and cover the court well,” said Ruzic.
With matches starting on Friday, all matches throughout the State League season will be live streamed on Streamer.com.au
Round One Fixtures:
MEN’S
Friday 18 October, 6.00 pm
UWA v Mt Lawley/Sorrento at UWA Tennis Club
Saturday 19 October, 1.00 pm
Royal Kings Park v Peppermint Grove Royal Kings Park Tennis Club
Cottesloe v Alexander Park at Cottesloe Tennis Club
WOMEN’S
Friday 18 October, 6.00 pm
Hensman Park v Royal Kings Park at Hensman Park Tennis Club
Saturday 19 October, 1.00 pm
Dalkeith v Peppermint Grove at Dalkeith Tennis Club
Alexander Park v Cottesloe at Alexander Park Tennis Club
Men’s State League: https://matchcentre.tennis.com.au/divisions/50963
Women’s State League: https://matchcentre.tennis.com.au/divisions/50962
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