The St. Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association (SVGTA) celebrated the conclusion of its Summer National Junior Tennis Tournament on Friday, July 17, 2026. The five-day event, which began on July 13, featured 33 players competing across all age categories from under-10 to under-18, marking the first time in recent years that every category was successfully completed.
The tournament was characterized by the resilience of the young athletes, who overcame various off-court challenges including illness, injuries, and travel delays for those returning from abroad. Despite these obstacles, the competition produced 12 champions across the different divisions. Tournament Director and SVGTA Vice President Sebastian Cyrus noted that the players dug deep to provide standout performances, showing noticeable improvement in their level of play as they prepare for future regional and international competition.
Keyondré Gaymes was one of the week’s most prominent performers, capturing both the Boys Under-12 and Under-14 singles titles. Currently on the cusp of turning 11 years old, Gaymes has now won three of the last four titles in the Boys Under-12 category. In the girls’ divisions, Loukhya Premraj secured a double victory by winning the Under-14 and Under-18 singles titles, having now won three of the last four Girls Under-14 titles.
Jaiden Bowens maintained a flawless streak, winning both the Boys Under-18 singles and doubles titles without dropping a single set throughout consecutive tournaments. He teamed up with Keython Gaymes to secure the doubles championship. Zhordanne Jack also had a highly successful tournament, walking away with four trophies. She claimed the Girls Under-12 singles title and the Girls Under-14 doubles title with partner Amina Lucas, while also finishing as the runner-up in the Girls Under-14 singles and receiving the Girls’ Sportsmanship Award.
Other winners in the singles categories included Elaina Grant in the Girls Under-10, Olivia Aussi in the Girls Under-16, Nathaniel Sheen in the Boys Under-10, and Keython Gaymes in the Boys Under-16. In doubles action, Olivia Aussi and Madisenn Gonsalves took the Girls Under-18 title, while Judah Abbott and Rio Marks-Dasent won the Boys Under-14 division. Marks-Dasent was also honored with the Boys’ Sportsmanship Award for his conduct during the tournament.
Several notable players were absent from this year’s draw, including defending champions Amaia Waterstone, Danelle Kennedy, and Akquin Johnson. However, the SVGTA expressed high hopes for the upward trajectory of the sport, thanking the coaches, officials, sponsors, and parents whose efforts made the event possible. The association emphasized that these competitions remain vital for the continued growth and development of tennis across the country.
