The Suva Tennis Junior Elite team recently completed a remarkable tour at the 25th Annual Margaret Court Cup held in Albury, Australia, from January 9 to 20. The team, comprising six players and two coaches, proudly represented Fiji, demonstrating their skills in a series of competitive singles and doubles matches.
Amiel Montanari emerged as the standout player, winning the Men’s C Grade Singles title and finishing as the runner-up in the C Grade Doubles. This memorable moment was further highlighted when Montanari received his trophy from the legendary Australian tennis player Margaret Court, who holds an impressive record of 64 Grand Slam titles.
The performance of the team was commendable, with several players making notable advancements in their categories. In the U16 boys’ singles, Vihaan Sharma claimed the runner-up position, while Dhairya reached the semi-finals in the U14 boys’ singles. Rian Amin showcased his prowess by advancing to the quarter-finals in both the U14 boys’ singles and doubles events.
The girls from the team also demonstrated their talent, with Bethan May and Milena Montanari reaching the round of 16 in both the U14 girls’ singles and doubles.
Coaches Sumit Lal and Storm Cornish emphasized the importance of discipline and sportsmanship during this tour, which provided critical international exposure for the young athletes. The experiences gained from participating in such a prestigious event are invaluable as these players continue to develop their skills on the global stage. Overall, the tour was a significant step forward for Fiji’s junior tennis players, contributing to their growth and aspirations in the sport.
Leave a comment