From January 19th to 23rd, 2024, the National Tennis Center in Male’ witnessed an exhilarating clash of racquets and skills as the Sri Lanka – Maldives Tennis Challenge unfolded. Organized by the Tennis Association of Maldives (TAM), this tournament brought together top players from both nations, competing in Men’s open and Women’s open categories. With a limited draw of 28 players, the event turned out to be highly competitive, featuring over 100 matches that captivated tennis enthusiasts and showcased the talent of the participants.
Women’s Open Highlights: The Women’s Open category saw intense battles on the court, culminating in a thrilling final between two talented players. Senulya Wijayawardana of Sri Lanka emerged victorious, defeating Binudi Wijayawardana with a scoreline of 6-2, 6-3. The Women’s Open Doubles final added another layer of excitement as Senulya paired with Malsha to secure a convincing victory against the duo of Manha and Sarah Saamee, ending with a score of 6-2, 6-1.
Men’s Open Showdown: The Men’s Open category witnessed a display of grit and determination, with the final featuring a closely contested battle between Ashen Silva of Sri Lanka and Abdulla Faaih Fazeel. After a fierce encounter, Ashen Silva emerged victorious, claiming the title with a score of 6-0, 4-6, 10-8 in a super tiebreak in the final set. The competition did not stop there, as the Men’s Open Doubles final unfolded with Faaih and Daoud securing a win against Ashen and Zafayaan with a score of 7-6, 6-2.
The Sri Lanka – Maldives Tennis Challenge 2024 was not just about the winners and losers; it was a platform for players to gain valuable experience and test their skills against top-notch competition. With over 100 matches played within the span of five days, the tournament showcased the resilience, sportsmanship, and commitment of the participating athletes.
The success of the event was credited to the meticulous planning and execution by the Tennis Association of Maldives (TAM). The association’s commitment to promoting tennis in the region was evident as they orchestrated a seamless tournament that provided a platform for players to shine and younger players to enjoy a higher standard tennis.
The Sri Lanka – Maldives Tennis Challenge 2024 proved to be a celebration of tennis, fostering camaraderie and competition between the two nations. Senulya Wijayawardana, Binudi Wijayawardana, Ashen Silva, Abdulla Faaih Fazeel, and other participants showcased their skills, making the tournament memorable for players and spectators alike. As the players return home, the experience gained from this challenge will undoubtedly contribute to the growth of tennis especially to the Maldives.
