EXCITEMENT, nervous energy and determination coursed through the veins of the finals contenders for division one and two of the Amanzimtoti Tennis Club singles tournament on April 25.

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It was the culmination of seven thrilling weeks of tennis and the matches were underscored by perfect weather. Club treasurer Gary Killian happily said that the scene for the finals was set by enthusiastic spectators, from family and friends to fellow tennis enthusiasts.

The division two final saw Grant Milosevich take on Hennie Engelbrecht.

“Hennie started with a bang and with his coverage of the net resembling a brick wall, he kept his nose in front until the scoreboard pressure started to play with his nerves. At 5-5 in the first set, Grant took control, clenching the next two games for the first set 7-5 in his favour. This advantage seemed to give Grant the confidence to start making use of his unique forehand sliced smash that had Hennie on the back foot. Grant eventually came out on top 7-5 6-2,” said Gary.

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Next up was a repeat of last year’s electric finals and fittingly, the showcase of the tournament. The club’s resident coach, Mike Ngoma, looked to enact revenge after losing out last year against Hendrik Bester, both hoping to bring their A-game.

“Hendrik wasted no time in taking advantage of a slow start from Mike and within what seemed like an instant, Hendrik was 4-0 up. Mike, as we all know, is a fighter and he dug deep to battle back to 4-3, before Hendrik tightened the screws to take the set 6-3. Hendrik’s performance was a spectacle,” said Gary.

The second set started off with the first game going to around eight deuces with brilliant play from both players. Bester eventually claimed victory with a far more dominant second set. Bester repeated his claim as the top dog at Amanzimtoti Tennis Club with a convincing victory of 6-3 6-0.

The day was finished off with a braai, and some even taking to the dance floor to celebrate good company and a successful tournament.

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