NATHAN DeNobrega capped off a stunning run of form on Sunday to claim the coveted Men’s Open Singles title as the 60th Independence Tennis Open drew to a dramatic close at the National Park Hard Courts.
In the men’s marquee final, DeNobrega put on a masterclass against Gerald Scotland, asserting his dominance from the baseline to seal the top honour and crown a stellar tournament campaign.
The baseline brilliance wasn’t reserved solely for the men’s draw. In the Ladies Open, the formidable Afruica Gentle once again proved she is the queen of the Guyanese courts.
Gentle produced a clinical display to dismantle Tisel Patterson’s challenge, adding yet another prestigious piece of silverware to her ever-growing trophy cabinet.
There was also a familiar story of resilience in the senior ranks, where veteran Phillip Squires rolled back the years.
Squires turned in a polished, vintage performance to outmanoeuvre Benjettan Osborne and secure the Men’s 35 Singles title.
Away from the seasoned campaigners, the tournament offered a fascinating glimpse into the future of Guyanese tennis:
The Novice Brackets: Harry Wu claimed the Novice Men’s crown with a gritty victory over Shamar Henry, while Jahdiel Harry triumphed against Akila Peters to take home the Novice Women’s title.
The Juniors: In the Under-12 categories, Israbella Grannum rose to the occasion to defeat Breyanna Younge for the Girls’ title, while Zion Hickerson outlasted Hayden Chan in a grueling battle to snatch the Boys’ trophy.
The tournament, which was fully funded by the Government of Guyana as part of the landmark Diamond Independence celebrations, drew high praise from officials at Sunday’s closing ceremony.
Speaking on the court, the Minister of Culture, Youth and Sport, Charles Ramson Jr., lauded the rapid evolution of the domestic game and the vital partnership with the Guyana Tennis Association (GTA).
“I have seen some really exciting stuff today,” Ramson said. “The skill level has improved over this period of time and it will only continue to get better.”
Director of Sport, Steve Ninvalle, echoed those sentiments, reinforcing the government’s commitment to providing the high-quality facilities necessary to sustain this new wave of talent.
With GTA President Cristy Campbell offering her formal thanks to the National Sports Commission and the government for their unwavering support and inclusion, tennis in Guyana appears to have found its perfect serve.
