19 March 2025 | Tennis West

After 11 weeks of competition, the State League season concludes with two mouthwatering finals. In the men’s, Cottesloe host Peppermint Grove in a repeat of last season’s final while in the women’s, Hensman Park take on Cottesloe at Hensman Park Tennis Club. Both finals will start at 12.30 pm this Saturday.

WOMEN’S 

Hensman Park v Cottesloe

Saturday 22nd March, 12.30 pm at Hensman Park Tennis Club 

In the women’s final, Hensman Park will be looking to go back-to-back after winning last season’s State League final on their home courts. Newly formed Cottesloe created a strong side this season recruiting well, bringing back Jessie Culley who has grand final experience having played for Peppermint Grove in their triumph in 2022-23. The side also gained captain and former world number eight Alicia Molik, who went through the season undefeated in singles matches. You would expect those two to play in the number one and two spots.

A key to Cottesloe’s success has been their depth, gaining youngster Elena Manoj, Saanvi Tak and Ruby Culley. Elena Manoj has also been a standout in singles, having also not lost a singles match this season.

Cottesloe will take confidence into this match knowing they can match it with the reigning premiers, having defeated them in Round 8 on Hensman Park’s own courts. In that match, it was Molik, Manoj and Tak who all were victorious against Dokic, Nurkic and Yum. That fixture was Hensman Park’s only loss in two years.

Hensman Park have had an incredible season once again, only dropping nine matches and winning a total of 50 for the season. A main strength of them is their depth and young talent at the top, led by Alice Stevens. Stevens has regularly played against the best players and has gone through the season undefeated in singles matches.

Experienced players Ella Nurkic and Anja Dokic will also be a strong chance to line up on Saturday. The two have been hugely influential in last season’s success and mentoring the younger players in the squad such as Karin Hiramatsu and Riana Tan who have held up the number and three and four spot in the side this season.

 

MEN’S 

Cottesloe v Peppermint Grove

Saturday 22nd March, 12.30 pm at Cottesloe Tennis Club 

If last year’s final was anything to go by, expect this one to be bigger. In what will essentially be a re-match of last year’s final, Peppermint Grove will be out to seek revenge after Cottesloe prevailed on the grass courts of Cottesloe.

The Cottesloe side has remained consistent this season and was a massive factor in the side finishing first on the ladder. Last season’s MVP and Cottesloe captain Will Hann has had another impressive season, predominately playing in the number one position. The side has been bolstered with the return of Max Weir after a season away as well as Ben Webster while also retaining Ethan Dunn and Cam Burton who played in last year’s final.

The sides faced off against each other in round nine with Cottesloe edging past Peppermint Grove at Peppermint Grove 4-2. The sides also met in round four but ended as a drew due to bad light and the scores tied at 2-2 and most singles matches going the distance.

The key to this match will be the team Peppermint Grove puts out. The away side has used a mix of quality players throughout the season, bringing over players like Jayden Court from the eastern states. The side has bolstered its talent with Tim Gray and Vuk Velickovic joining the side and having an impact in fixtures. Tim Gray has been a standout, having won four in his last five singles matches this season. The side may also play Ethan Cook, Sam Ashenden and captain Sam Chapman, although some may miss out if all are available to play.

Expect this Saturday’s matches to be decided in the doubles. If it does get to doubles, Cottesloe will fancy their chances with doubles specialist Adam Kehane leading the way. Cottesloe have only lost three doubles ties while Peppermint Grove have lost five ties. Cottesloe are looking to secure a three peat while Peppermint Grove are looking to win their first State League title in the club’s history.

Catch all the action on www.streamer.com.au