KINGSTOWN, SVG - THE Federation’s players competing at the 2023 International Tennis Federation (ITF) Under-18 Chatoyers’ J30 Invitational in St. Vincent and the Grenadines suffered mixed results in their opening rounds of the singles competition.
The five players - four males and one female - all crashed out of the singles competition, but showed grit and determination in their games against seasoned tour players who compete on a weekly basis.
Their performances have however been recognized by National Coach Ludis Francis.
In his opening round of qualifying on Saturday, National Champion Dannielson Lybert took down compatriot Kaeden Bradshaw in straight (sets 6-2, 6-3).
His compatriot, Khalil Burroughs, was also victorious, beating Navindra Arjune out of Guyana 6-4, 2-6, 10-5.
A junior on the regional circuit, Sushant Rawat, lost 4-6, 4-6 to Denzel Luther of Guyana.
Both Lybert and Burroughs made it to the final round of qualifying on Sunday where they were both defeated.
Lybert took on Trinidadian Bjorn Hall and was defeated 6-1, 6-1, while Adrian Jacobs took care of Burrough 6-2,6-1.
Jayda Browne, who had a bye in the first round of the girls division, suffered a straight set defeat to Moldova’s Anastasia Ganja, 6-1, 6-1, yesterday afternoon (Aug. 15).
Following their games, the two coaches travelling with the team gave their assessment of the players’ performance, noting that Burroughs suffered from nerves, his lengthy match the day prior and a dip in his consistency against an opponent who was fresh.
In Lybert’s case, Francis underscored that the strength of Hall and his high performance play was better than the St. Kitts-based player.
She described Hall as being one of the best players on tour, and, despite the minor back strain sustained by Lybert, he came up against a much stronger opponent.
Commenting on Bradshaw, the coach noted that it was difficult for him as he came up against his compatriot who is a more compact and developed player.
Bradshaw was commended for his compatriot on the court, with Coach Francis stressing that “this was the best I have seen him play. He was scrambling for the ball, his movements and his entire game”.
“I was ecstatic to see him step on court in a foreign country and turn up his game,” said Francis.
The boys are down to compete in the doubles categories with action getting underway today (Aug. 16) in St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Watkins Chiverton, President of the St. Kitts-Nevis Tennis Association, wished the team well and urged the players to represent the Federation.
He reminded them that they are not only playing for themselves, but also under the flag of St. Kitts and Nevis.
Speaking prior to the players departures, Chiverton described the team’s participation as a “historic day” for the SKNTA’s Junior programme where three teams would be competing in the St. Vincent and the Grenadines International tennis Federation’s tournament over the two weeks.
“Congrats everyone in making this a reality. Special thanks must go to the hard working players. Your input will yield tremendous dividends! The SKNTA wishes you every success, and to all the coaches for the preparatory work, patience and humility.”
The team’s participation forms part of the Tennis Association’s thrust to provide a pathway for growth, competition and exposure for the next generation of players in the Federation.
