The Saint Lucia Tennis Association (SLTA) held the prize-giving ceremony for its 2025 Independence Tournament over the weekend. In total, 15 titles were presented after six days of intense competition at the National Tennis Centre in Beausejour.
The SLTA reported that 70 players had registered for the tournament, a healthy start to what is expected to be a busy year.
Victorious in the men’s open singles was veteran campaigner Vernon Lewis, who bested Petterson George in the final. Lewis teamed up with teenager Alhil Cyril to take the men’s doubles over Trevor Hunte and Colin Hunte. Iyana Paul and Scyla Murray topped Annakie Arlette and Jaelyn Henry for the women’s doubles crown in a brilliant three-set comeback win.
Denney Estava enjoyed a dominant week. He got his second individual title and his third overall when he beat Elliot Anthony in the Under-18 boys. Eastava was also amazing in the boys’ Under-14 final, his endurance and tactical discipline earning him the win in a match with Immanuel Charles. Iyana Paul was the Under-18 girls champion after stopping Jaelyn Henry.
Merkisha Justin captured her first local Under-14 title in an electrifying showdown against Samuella Bertrand. The match was a true rollercoaster, with both players exchanging momentum, battling through long rallies in a tie ultimately decided in a thrilling tiebreak.
Estava and Tahj Goodman beat Taeo Lewis and Kyle Michel-Francois in the Under-14 boys’ doubles final. Individual finalists Justin and Bertrand combined to defeat Skai Sammy and Joella Habib in the 14 & Under girls’ doubles.
In the Girls Under-12 category, Skai Sammy defeated Taije Charles for the championship. Sammy dominated Charles in straight sets, 4-0, 4-0. Sammy, a recent semifinalist at the regional tournament in Trinidad & Tobago, showcased her skills and experience.
In the Boys Under-12 final, Kimari Felix, who previously defeated Jelani Flamius in straight sets, faced off against Riley Smith, the recent regional champion of the Boys Under-10 category. Smith secured his first Under-12 title by defeating Felix 4-2, 4-0.
In the Green Ball Under-10 category, Kimari Felix played Joshua Harte for the gold medal, with Felix emerging victorious. The match showcased a significant improvement from Harte, who demonstrated a higher level of play. Though he placed second, the match was an excellent showdown for the Under-10 title.
The development draw saw Taije Charles winning the girls’ championship over Ezabela Charles. Ewan Munoz-Smith topped Jordan X for the boys’ championship win. Taije and Ezabela Charles topped Karina and Kiara Lambert for the girls’ doubles.
