25 March 2014 | Tennis Tasmania

After a long weekend of high quality tennis the inaugural Devonport Open combined junior and open event is in the books.

Storming through the tournament recently turned fourteen year old Sanyukta Singh didn’t drop a set en route to her maiden title in Devonport. Getting more confidence with each match Singh squeaked past fellow talent Eliane Fader before facing the top seeded Vanessa Dobson in the final. Dobson, who has been in stellar for which has included a Cygnet Open triumph and Clarence Open finalist came up just short against the impressive play of Singh who mixed up her game against her more fancied opponent. With the win Sing will gain valuable points ahead of her future tournaments across the country.

On the men’s side it was Burnie resident Elliot Johnstone who breezed through as the top seed dropping only a handful of games on his way to the title. After competing at the McDonalds Burnie International earlier in the year Johnstone used his experience and skill to blow his opponents out of the water. His major test came in the final where he faced a revived Daniel Sutton. After once again storming out of the blocks Johnstone received strong resistance in the second set with Sutton making his charge. After some nervous moments Johnstone broke Sutton and in so the match claiming a 6-0 6-3 advantage.

Hosting the first combined tournament in club history junior play was stellar throughout.

In 12/U play Samuel Elliston-Buckley continued his impressive form by defeating good friend and doubles partner Robert Green whilst in the girls Georgina Fish recovered from a first set stumble to defeat Sascha Murphy from New South Wales 5-7 6-3 6-1.

In the 14s top seeded South Australian David Abfalter revenged his loss last year by defeating Ben Cawston in two enthralling sets. Both boys played with great endeavour with Abfalter gaining the edge and in so the title. On the girls side it was recently returned Tasmanian Courtney Webb sweeping aside the talented Charlotte Ingram in the final. Webb, who has recently returned from an extended stint in Queensland, is a welcomed addition to the Tasmanian tennis scene.

In 16/U action Ben Barnett swept through the preliminary rounds where second seeded Joab Littler awaited. After a tense first set Barnett was able to use his consistency and timing to break down Littler claiming the title with relative ease. In the very evenly matched girls it was Hannah Coombe claiming a games differential count-back after Wynonah Conway and Erin Fazackerley both claimed two wins apiece. In the match of the tournament it was Fazackerley claiming a 7-6 4-6 7-6 win over Coombe in a match played in great spirits.

Thanks again to all players for making their way to Devonport to make this championships very enjoyable. Thanks to all tournament organisers and we look forward to seeing you all soon.