Canberra Velocity will launch their 2015-16 Asia-Pacific Tennis League (ATL) campaign against the Sydney Saints on Friday at the Canberra Tennis Centre.
The Canberra Velocity Men will have a full strength line up with Jake Eames, Daniel Guccione, Alexander Babanine, and James Frawley all expected to play. Eames who has come off an extended injury break, has been back on the Australian Pro Tour competing at Pro Tour events in Brisbane, Traralgon, Canberra, and Wollongong recently. Victorian’s Guccione (ATP 2205) and Babanine (ATP 2076) are both making their first appearance for Velocity, while Frawley gained valuable doubles experience at the recent Canberra International.
The Saints team are led by world number 291, Matt Barton. Barton made the semi finals of the Traralgon Challenger in October and also made the second round at the Canberra International. Sydney juniors Brian Tran and Benard Nkomba will line up for the Saints, along with former world number 830, Simon Ede.
The Canberra Velocity Women will be without Alison Bai for the match against the Saints, however she will return to face the Sunshine Coast Breakers on Saturday. Alex Nancarrow is still under an injury cloud and unlikely to play this weekend but will offer valuable insight as team manager. Velocity regular’s Ashley Keir and Tyra Calderwood will lead the team against the Saints, with juniors Kaitlin Staines and Annerly Poulos also expected to play.
The Saints Women will be led by Angelique Svinos (WTA 847) who has spent the majority of the year travelling on the ITF circuit. Brooke Winley, Lisa Mays, Martina Hudaly, and Gabriella Da Silva-Fick are all available to play for the Saints on the weekend.
On Saturday, Velocity will face Queensland team, Sunshine Coast Breakers. The Men’s team list features Romanian Victor Crivoi (ATP 578) who reached a career high ranking of 75 in 2009, along with Dayne Kelly (ATP 546), Thomas Fancutt (ATP 642), and Mitchell Robins (ATP 1329)
The Women’s Breakers team features a young line up, led by 19 year old Kayla McPhee who is ranked 61 in the Australian rankings. She is joined by Ella Husrefovic, Shan-Ying Barr, and Somer Dalla-Bona.
Entry into the Canberra Tennis Centre is free on both days. Saturday will feature family activities including a jumping castle, face painting, speed serve, hit the target, and ANZ Tennis Hot Shots.
Friday 20th November, 4.30pm
ATL – North Pool B, Round 1
Canberra Velocity v Sydney Saints
Western Sydney Warriors v Sunshine Coast Breakers
Saturday 21st November, 11.00am
ATL – North Pool B, Round 2
Canberra Velocity v Sunshine Coast Breakers
Sydney Saints v Western Sydney Warriors
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