AMANZIMTOTI Tennis Club was abuzz with activity as athletic club members took on the first singles matches of an exciting eight-week long singles round robin tournament on March 7.

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The tournament is split between two divisions with playoffs consisting of semi-finals and grand finals in each division.

Gary Killian, club treasurer, said that each division includes both men and women, making for a unique approach. He joked that the male athletes are quite thrilled but also frightened because of the incredible talent among the club’s women.

“On court during one of the final matches on Saturday was Joanne Reinbach and one of our top men’s singles players, Esmond Robertson. It was an amazing game with extended rallies and some incredibly good tennis in very windy conditions,” said Killian.

Robertson came out on top, with a score of 6-3 6-3, but was quick to acknowledge the brilliant fight Reinbach put up. Several other matches were played on the day, with Josh Shinners edging out against Stephen Russell 6-4 6-2, Langa Buthelezi winning  against Hennie Engelbrecht 6-1 6-2, Robbie Roux and Sumari Botha’s clash ending 6-3 6-4 in favour of Roux, and  Killian taking on Riaan Botha for a dominant 6-0 6-1 victory.

During the week, some other results included Grant Milosevich beating Warren Banks 6-2 6-0, Raymond Molepo versus Theo Kesaris, ending in 6-3 6-4, and Dore Shinners and Flavio Cadamuro’s match going the distance 2-6 6-4 7-6, for the tournament’s first three-set match and female victor.

“Well done to all the ladies for taking on the men with some determination but still having fun. Well done to all participants as most players do not play singles often and have indicated how much more difficult it is to play singles as opposed to doubles. It’s a completely different game and certainly is a challenge on the lungs. The semi-finals are scheduled for April 11 and the finals on April 18. We welcome all that are interested in tennis to come watch and support,” said Killian.

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