Three more champions were crowned at the 2023 AID Junior National Tennis Championships at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association's (BLTA) National Tennis Centre yesterday. The 12-and-under boys and girls divisions along with the 14-and-under boys division had champions crowned.
The 12-and-under girls division matchup between Vonteneke Rolle and Caitlyn Pratt needed three hours and three sets to determine a champion. In the end, it was Rolle who showed resilience, winning after dropping the first set 6-0.
"I just had confidence," Rolle said. "I just pushed myself the rest of the match. I started to put some spins on my ball in the second set and began hitting it with more power."
Rolle, who had a huge smile on her face after the victory, started the second set up 3-0. Pratt, who is from Grand Bahama, bounced back to tie the second set at six games apiece but Rolle won the tiebreaker and the set, 7-6.
In the third, Rolle played loose. She won the third set, 6-4.
Defending his title in the 12-and-under boys division was Chase Newbold. He took care of Kingston Rees in straight sets, 6-3 and 6-1.
"I did not do well in the first set like I did in the second set. I had to push myself and get some energy in that first set but I am happy with my performance in the tournament," Newbold said.
Newbold said he was happy to see his hard work during practice pay off as he lifted the trophy for a second consecutive year in his final year in that age category.
Patrick Mactaggart played a near perfect match against Ayai Bethel out of Eleuthera to win the 14-and-under boys division. Mactaggart dominated the match, 6-0 and 6-0.
"I played well," Mactaggart said. "It is always good to finish off with a 6-0, 6-0 scoreline but, overall, I had a good tournament. Coming into the match, I wanted to keep the ball in play heavy, don't push it and remain positive."
The finals for the 14-and-under girls, 16-and-under boys and girls, and the 18-and-under boys and girls are set for today. The doubles portion of the tournament also wraps up today.
Playing in the 18-and-under boys final is Jerald Carroll and Dentry Mortimer. Carroll is also playing in the 16-and-under final, taking on Khai Rees. Carroll is teaming up with Jackson Mactaggart to play against Mortimer and Khai Rees in the semifinals in doubles in the 18-and-under category. Carroll won all three divisions last year and will be looking for a replay of the triple crown this year.
"I am excited. I need to prepare for all of the matches and get some sleep. I have to come out and play my game, and I know that I can win if I play how I usually play. I have conditioned my body well enough to take it once I recover well," Carroll said.
In the 18-and-under girls final, Saphirre Ferguson will take on Takaii Adderley. The 16-and-under girls division will feature Breann Ferguson going up against Adderley in the final. Sarai Clarke goes up against Tatyana Madu in the 14-and-under girls final.
Champions were already crowned in the 10-and-under boys and girls, and 8-and-under girls divisions. There was no 8-and-under boys division this year.
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