Elaine Genovese and Matthew Asciak reconfirmed themselves as Malta’s top tennis players when they defended their singles titles at the Gatorade Malta Open Championships. 

The finals were held on Sunday, October 14 at the Marsa Sports Club.

In the final of the women’s singles event, Elaine beat Rosanne Dimech 61 64 in an exciting match.   

Elaine started the match strongly and took a commanding lead in the first set, to close it at 61. In the second set, Rosanne rallied back to level it the score to 4 all , only to then be broken by Elaine in the ninth game.  Elaine then held her serve to close the match at 64 and win the title. Earlier in the semi-finals, Elaine eliminated Katrina Sammut 60 61 whilst Rosanne eliminated Brenda Galea 62 61.

In the men’s singles event, Malta Champion, Matthew Asciak was in a class of his own when he defeated upcoming 16 year old, Raphael Sammut in the final 60 60.  Matthew was in command throughout the match with his strong consistent baseline play, interspersed with deft and sublime touches and drop shots.  For Raphael, this was his first men’s singles open final and an experience to build upon for the future.  In the semi-finals, Matthew eliminated Bradley Callus 61 61 while Raphael ousted Denzil Agius 36 61 61.  

The men’s doubles event was won by Matthew Asciak and Bradley Callus who defeated Raphael Sammut and the evergreen,  Marco Cappello,  60 62 in the final.