THE opening week of the Curro Centre Court Series at Curro Hillcrest saw Khololwam Montsi claim the men’s singles title after an all-South African final, while Polina Leykina lifted the women’s trophy.

The tournament also recorded its highest-ever South African player representation, with 45 local players in the draw, highlighting the continued growth of the event and the strength of local tennis.

Montsi and Leykina claimed week one titles as the Centre Court Series returned to Curro Hillcrest and concluded on Sunday.

The series was hosted in partnership with Tennis South Africa. Montsi beat compatriot Devin Badenhorst 7-5, 6-4 to lift the trophy.

Both players showed continued form this season to reach the championship match, capping a strong week and making for an all-local final worthy of the occasion.

In the women’s singles, Russia’s Leykina produced a masterclass to see off Switzerland’s Jenny Duerst 6-4, 6-4.

Despite her short stature, Leykina showed a complete game throughout the tournament, equally comfortable at the net and from the baseline.

With at least 200 spectators on hand, the final had a fantastic atmosphere.

There was further South African success in the doubles, where Marc van der Merwe won the men’s title with partner Gray Voelzke (US), while Donna le Roux and Morgan Jordaan finished runners-up in the women’s final.

Record home representation

The results continued a strong local showing, with SA boasting all four home semi-finalists across the singles draws – two men and two women.

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Both South African men progressed to their respective finals, while the two South African women, Isabella Kruger and Marie-Louise van Zyl, narrowly missed out.

The week one draw included a record 45 South Africans out of 107 players – 42% of the field, the highest representation the series has seen.

It has been encouraging to see so many South Africans returning to compete this week.

Interest from leading international academies also continues to grow, with the Riccardo Piatti Academy sending a group of players from Monte Carlo and Italy to compete in Hillcrest.

Three-week series continues

The Centre Court Series runs across three weeks from June 29 to July 13, spanning both the men’s and women’s ITF Pro Tours.

It opened with a W15 and M15 event from June 29 to July 5, continues this week with a W35 and M15 competition from July 6 to 12, and concludes with a W15 and M25 tournament from July 13 to 19.

Cindy van der Merwe, portfolio manager at Curro Sport, said the series had become a fixture on the South African tennis calendar.

“We’re excited to bring the Centre Court Series back to Curro Hillcrest for another three weeks of world-class tennis,” said Van der Merwe.

“The calibre of talent it attracts, both local and international, is remarkable, and it’s especially rewarding to see our South African players embrace the platform, claiming 70% of the titles across the series history. That shows the strength of the talent we have right here at home and highlights the value unlocked for our players.”

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