The Valley, Anguilla, November 11, 2019……The fourth and most successful edition of the Anguilla Cup concluded on Friday with top ITF juniors from around the world battling all week on the sun-soaked courts of the Anguilla Tennis Academy.
Boasting over 20 different countries in attendance, this Grade 3 event brought forth more than 150 players, coaches and parents to enjoy the biggest ITF (International Tennis Federation) tournament in the Caribbean.
The tournament kicked off with special guest Mary Joe Fernández conducting a kids’ clinic on Sunday for 30 youngsters from across the Island. Fernández’s impressive career resume includes a World Tennis Association (WTA) No. 4 ranking, three Grand Slam finals and winning an Olympic bronze medal.
Mary Jo Fernandez
A men’s Invitational event also preceded the main draw tournament as ATP touring professional Nick Chappell faced Jesse Witten from the U.S.A. in the finals. The straight-set victory by Chappell saw the current world No. 400 use his effective left-hand forehand to great effect. Witten, who reached the fourth round of the US Open as a player, currently works with budding young juniors at his academy in Florida. Other players in the eight-man invitational included local talent and top players from around the world.
Friday’s boys final featured American eight seed Connor Krug defeating countryman Gabriellius Guzauskas 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (2) in 2:50 minutes. The hard-fought contest was highlighted by powerful groundstrokes and potent serves.
On the girls’ side, American Elizabeth Coleman went two for two on the day when she won the singles title over Sofia Camilla Rojas 6-2, 7-6 (2) in 2:17 minutes, and later returned with partner Sasha Wood to dismiss Cora Stefanie Barber and Gabriella Broadfoot 6-1, 6-4 for the doubles crown. Coleman’s consistent ground game and calm demeanor were evident throughout the week.
The final result on championship Friday saw Fnu Nidunjianzan from China and Timothy Phung from the U.S.A. dispatch Nicolas Godsick and Ellis Short from the U.S.A. 6-2, 7-5 for the doubles title.
The Hon. Cardigan Connor attended the finals to cheer on the action and to make the presentations to the winners (pictures shown above).
This truly memorable event would never have been possible without the invaluable assistance of the Anguilla Tourist Board, the Department of Sports, the Social Security Board, and the diligent and round the clock efforts from the hard-working staff of the Anguilla Tennis Academy. Additional support was provided by the Anguilla National Tennis Association and the National Commercial Bank of Anguilla.
For more information on the event please visit the tournament website – anguillacup.com . For information on Anguilla, please visit the official website of the Anguilla Tourist Board: www.IvisitAnguilla.com; follow us on Facebook: Facebook.com/AnguillaOfficial; Instagram: @Anguilla_Tourism; Twitter: @Anguilla_Trsm, Hashtag: #MyAnguilla.
– Press Release
