Aspiring Welsh tennis players enjoyed success in early pre-season tournaments nationally and internationally across various age groups.
At the International Tennis Federation (ITF) event in Malta, Welsh U18s had a week to remember. Cardiff-based Matt Story reached the semi-finals in the male singles while Ricky Tong, also from Cardiff, secured a well-earned place in the quarter-finals.
And after their exploits in the singles, Matt Story and Ricky Tong teamed up to take the boys doubles title in dramatic fashion.
Also present in Malta was 18 year-old Joely Lomas who played well to reach the semi-finals of the girls doubles.
Back in the UK at the ITF 18U tournament in Nottingham, Matt Story continued his excellent run of form to reach the quarter finals.
The Tennis Europe event also saw James Story and partner Saif Ali from the Cardiff Met Tennis Academy make the U14 Boys doubles final.
Domestically at Nottingham, Kent-based Welshman Michael Owen reached the U14 singles final at Nottingham but wasn’t able to claim victory. James Story and Saif Ali took the U14 boys doubles title.
At Sutton, in the U14 boys singles Joe White was victorious, claiming the tournament title in straight sets while Rebekah O’Loughlin of Crickhowell reached the final, settling for a runners-up position in the U16s girls singles.
“This was a good start to the summer season,” said Tennis Wales National Coach manager, Ellinore Lightbody. “We’ve seen significant improvement in the performance level, after a winter of hard work, rewarded with some impressive results.”
Rebekah O'Loughlin
Ricky Hernandez-Tong and Matt Story