The Abu Dhabi Wilson Tennis Cup served up a final day feast for players and fans at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre on Friday, as the third edition of the annual tournament drew to a close with the Men’s Open final.
Dutchman Peter Wessels overcame Kirk Rebuyas 6-1, 6-3 in a closely fought contest as the Abu Dhabi Wilson Tennis Cup signed off on its most successful year to date. The Women’s Open was a more dramatic affair as Magali De Lattre proved too strong for Sanjana Sudhir, taking a well-deserved 6-4, 6-4 victory in the women’s showpiece event.
Commenting on a hat-trick of Women’s Open victories, De Lattre said, "To win three times in a row, it feels really, really good. It’s good confidence for me and I hope I can do more. Every year is different and every year it gets better, more challenging for me but winning the final is just amazing." Sanctioned by Tennis Emirates and supported by Wilson and Healthpoint, the Abu Dhabi Wilson Tennis Cup welcomed a record-breaking field of 339 players, competing across 21 divisions with 26 winners crowned at Zayed Sports City’s International Tennis Centre.
Of the 339 players competing, 201 were juniors marking an impressive 25 percent increase in junior participation from 2014. 11 were ITF ranked juniors and three are currently competing as part of the UAE National Team.
"The level was really good this year. There were people watching, the atmosphere was really great and it was an unbelievable experience for me," said 17-year-old rising star, Nour Nehme, who won the Boy’s U18 and Men’s Open Doubles competitions.
"This is the first tournament where I beat someone with ATP points, in doubles. It’s a really a big win, especially getting to play with my coach Dragana. She’s very experienced and I learn from her every time we play. I was also got the chance to play against the number 2 UAE player, Mahmoud Nader. He’s a great player and I learned a lot from that match too. It gives me a lot of confidence." With a cash prize pot of AED31,500 and gifts valued at AED11,500 up for grabs, the competition welcomed players of all ages across 22 days of tennis in a fun and social environment.
