Fiji’s Grace Debalevu and Samoa’s Rosie Tupuola capped a remarkable week in the sport of tennis by claiming victory in the Open Women’s Doubles final. The duo triumphed over Samoa’s Tuuga sisters, Sydell Tyell Tuuga and Leah Tyrell-Tuuga, in a thrilling match that showcased their teamwork and determination.
Debalevu, also a finalist in the Women’s Singles category, noted the importance of communication and consistency in their strategy on the court. “We feel good. Our strategy was to communicate on court and try to stay consistent with how we play. That really worked for us,” she said post-match. Looking ahead, the focus now shifts for Debalevu and Tupuola as they prepare for the upcoming Nations Cup.
Despite the loss, the Tuuga sisters remained positive. Sydell expressed her excitement about returning to competitive tennis after a long hiatus, stating, “It feels good to be returning to tennis after a good break. It’s been a good tournament, good people, I had a good time.” Leah acknowledged that their preparation could have been better but reflected positively on the tournament, saying, “It’s been a good, long week.”
This event reflects the growing popularity of tennis in Fiji, which was highlighted in recent coverage of the Vodafone Suva Open Tennis Championship, showcasing a rise in participation and support for junior players. The enthusiasm around these competitions signals a hopeful future for tennis in the Pacific region, suggesting that both local and international events will continue to foster talent and generate interest in the sport.
The spirit of community and resilience displayed in this tournament underlines the potential for greater accomplishments in future competitions, as Fiji and Samoa athletes continue to shine on the tennis stage.
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