The courts of the Pelham Racquet Club were alive with energy recently as top junior players from across the state competed in the USTA Alabama Summer Closed. With matches filled with determination, skill, and true sportsmanship, the tournament crowned champions and finalists in multiple age divisions.
“This event brings together some of the most talented young athletes in Alabama,” said organizers. “It’s a chance to celebrate both competitive excellence and the joy of the game.”
Tournament Highlights
Over the course weekend, spectators were treated to high-intensity rallies, dramatic comebacks, and heartfelt displays of team spirit. The event featured Boys’ and Girls’ Singles and Doubles in age groups ranging from 12s to 18s.
Girls 12s – Emme Layne Basquin took the Singles Blue title, and teamed up with Grace Lee to win Doubles. Bade Buyukkilic finished as Singles Blue finalist, while Elizabeth Tuck and Frances Nunnelley were Doubles finalists.
Boys 12s – Blake Ainsworth claimed the Singles Blue title and also won Doubles with Danner Graf. Holden Strickland captured the Singles Red Division championship. Danner Graf also earned the Singles Blue finalist position.
Girls 14s – Standout performances included Sophia Dunkle (Singles Red champion), Martha Teague (Singles Blue champion), and Sipho Mashego (Singles Blue champion). Doubles titles went to Lanny Wang & Davis Ainsworth, and Sophie Shearburn & Martha Teague. Gael Habibollahi added the Singles Red Draw championship to the list. Finalists included Elizabeth Chappell (Singles Red), Clare Mitchell (Singles Blue), Lanny Wang (Singles Blue), Matthew Ezell & Hollis Box (Doubles), and Mac Willoughby (Flight B Singles).
Boys 14s – Lanny Wang & Davis Ainsworth secured the Doubles title, while Sipho Mashego and Gael Habibollahi each earned singles titles. Lanny Wang, Matthew Ezell & Hollis Box, and Mac Willoughby were among the finalists.
Girls 16s – Peyton Standifer & Aniston Skipworth won Doubles, with Standifer also appearing in the Singles Blue final. Ranidi Nagodawithana was the Singles Red finalist and teamed with Kayleigh Turner to finish Doubles finalist.
Boys 16s – Champions included Alec Perez & Cole Howell (Doubles), Pearce Graf (Singles Blue), Quint Freeman (Singles Blue), and Towns Lassiter (Singles Red). Cole Howell, David Friedt, and the team of Benjamin Mitchell & Alex Nelson were among the finalists.
Girls 18s – Mazie MacGrotty took the Singles championship, while Allyson Pieper & Hannah Hwangpo won Doubles. Hwangpo also finished Singles finalist.
Boys 18s – William Thom captured the Singles Red title and partnered with Jonathan Kneer to win Doubles. Andrew Pipkin claimed a Singles championship as well. Finalists included Brady Conti (Singles Red), Andy Ding & Jani Martin (Doubles), and Jonathan Kneer (Singles Blue).
A Celebration of Youth Tennis
The tournament not only highlighted emerging talent but also the close-knit community that supports junior tennis. From cheering parents to dedicated coaches, the Pelham Tennis Center was filled with encouragement and camaraderie.
Organizers expressed gratitude to players, families, volunteers, and sponsors for making the USTA Alabama Clay Court Summer Closed a success, and look forward to welcoming everyone back for future competitions.
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