Nelspruit Tennis Club crowns youngest ladies club champ

At 13 years old, Simoné Swart has secured her place in the history books of Nelspruit Tennis Club.

This teenager became the youngest women’s singles champion in the storied history of the club when she beat Anso Thormhlen 6-3 6-4 at this year’s Mopani Pharmacy Nelspruit Tennis Club Championships.

The Hoërskool Nelspruit pupil looked on course to complete a club double when she paired up with her sister, Miané. The Swart sisters lost 6-4, 6-7, 8-10 to Sylvia Otto and Annie Weirich, who were crowned the champions. Her performances were a brilliant achievement for a player playing in her debut club championships.

This year is turning out to be an annus mirabilis for the teenager. In July, she will be representing the country at an U15 level in England to compete in several tournaments, and also watch the Wimbledon tournament.

Meanwhile, in the men’s event, JC Kruger made it two wins in a row when he beat Wiehann Mohlen in straight sets, 6-1 6-4, in a repeat of last year’s final to win the men’s singles crown. He went on to win the mixed doubles with Otto as well.

Noah Snell and Lefa Moganedi completed the teenage revolution when they captured the men’s doubles crown.

“It is a great honour for Mopani Pharmacy, part of the Arrie Nel Pharmacy Group, to be a sponsor for the 2024 Club Championships hosted by Nelspruit Tennis Club. It is a wonderful collaboration between our company and the tennis club as we believe the key to a healthy life is having a healthy mind and a healthy body,” said Rita Erasmus of Mopani Pharmacy.