Rising Tennis Talents Shine at SVGTA Junior Nationals 

By S.Browne. Updated 6:09 p.m., Monday, July 20, 2026, Atlantic Standard Time (GMT-4).

Rising tennis talents showcased their skills and determination as the St Vincent and the Grenadines Tennis Association (SVGTA) concluded its 2026 Summer National Junior Tennis Tournament, with 12 champions crowned across five age categories.

The tournament, held from July 13-17, 2026, featured 33 young athletes competing in the under-10, under-12, under-14, under-16 and under-18 divisions for both boys and girls.

For the first time in recent years, all age categories were successfully completed, providing junior players with the opportunity to compete for national honours and gain valuable experience on the competitive stage.

The tournament produced several standout performances, with Keyondré Gaymes and Loukhya Premraj among the athletes continuing their impressive runs in junior tennis.

Gaymes captured both the Boys Under-12 and Boys Under-14 Singles titles, adding to a growing list of achievements. According to the SVGTA, he has now won three of the last four Boys Under-12 titles and secured the Boys Under-14 championship just before turning 11 years old.

Premraj also continued her strong form, winning the Girls Under-14 and Girls Under-18 Singles titles. The SVGTA noted that she has now won three of the last four Girls Under-14 titles.

Jaiden Bowens delivered another dominant display in the Boys Under-18 division, winning both the Singles and Doubles titles without dropping a set in consecutive tournaments.

Bowens partnered with Keython Gaymes to claim the Boys Under-18 Doubles championship, while Keython Gaymes also secured the Boys Under-16 Singles title.

Zhordanne Jack was another standout performer, collecting four trophies during the competition. She won the Girls Under-12 Singles title, partnered with Amina Lucas to win the Girls Under-14 Doubles championship, finished as runner-up in the Girls Under-14 Singles category and received the Girls Sportsmanship Award.

The Boys Sportsmanship Award went to Rio Marks-Dasent.

SVGTA Vice President and Tournament Director Sebastian Cyrus said the competition presented challenges, but the players responded with resilience.

“Unlike previous editions, this tournament bore witness to some players experiencing off-court challenges, in the form of illness, injuries, and travel delays (for players returning from abroad),” Cyrus said.

“In spite of a few withdrawals, the players dug deep, and we were treated to standout performances.”

Other players earning recognition included Nathaniel Sheen, who was named consolation winner in the Boys Under-12 division; Phoenix Boyea, who received consolation awards in the Girls Under-14 and Under-16 divisions; Judah Abbott in the Boys Under-14 division; and Ethan Kent in the Boys Under-16 division.

The tournament also saw strong performances in the doubles categories, with Zhordanne Jack and Amina Lucas winning the Girls Under-14 Doubles title, Olivia Aussi and Madisenn Gonsalves capturing the Girls Under-18 Doubles crown, Judah Abbott and Rio Marks-Dasent taking the Boys Under-14 Doubles title, and Jaiden Bowens and Keython Gaymes winning the Boys Under-18 Doubles championship.

Cyrus said the continued improvement in the standard of play demonstrates the progress being made in junior tennis in St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“From one tournament to the next, improvements in the level of play are noticeable. We look forward to keeping that on an upward trajectory, especially as players prepare to compete on the regional and international stage, as well as represent St Vincent and the Grenadines on National teams in the not-so-distant future,” he said.

The SVGTA extended appreciation to coaches, officials, sponsors, parents and supporters whose contributions helped make the tournament possible.

The association said competitions such as the Summer National Junior Tennis Tournament remain essential in developing young players and creating pathways for future representation of St Vincent and the Grenadines at regional and international competitions.

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