The Sagicor Junior Tennis Tournament is scheduled to commence on August 3 at the National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Beausejour. During a recent media briefing, the Saint Lucia Tennis Association (SLTA) Inc. unveiled the tournament format and the participating teams.
According to SLTA Vice President Digby Ambris, a total of fifty-two players (32 boys and 20 girls) will take part in the six-day tournament. The event will feature both singles and doubles matches in the Under 12s and 14s categories.
The participating countries include Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago, Guatemala, El Salvador, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and the host nation, Saint Lucia.
In another exciting development, a Saint Lucian representative team left the island this week to compete in the Davis Cup in Trinidad and Tobago. This marks a significant moment for tennis in Saint Lucia, as it is the first time the country has participated in the Davis Cup in 18 years.
An SLTA official emphasised the importance of this return to the Davis Cup, stating, “Our athletes are eager to showcase their skills on this prestigious stage.”
Team Saint Lucia will face off against Antigua and Barbuda, Aruba, Cuba, Haiti, Honduras, Nicaragua, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Unfortunately, Panama has withdrawn from the competition.
The SLTA expresses heartfelt gratitude to sponsors such as The National Lotteries Authority, the St. Lucia Olympic Committee, and the Oliver Gobat Sports Fund. Their support has been instrumental in ensuring Saint Lucia’s representation on the international tennis scene and the successful return to the Davis Cup.
Led by player-captain Vernon Lewis (racket 1), the team also includes Jordan Hunte (racket 2), Maxx William (racket 3), and Alberton Richelieu (racket 4). With a blend of experienced and emerging players, including seasoned athletes like Lewis and Richelieu alongside promising talents William and Hunte, the team is well-prepared and balanced.
The SLTA wishes the team the best of luck and looks forward to strong performances, backed by continued support from the community as they compete at this high level.