The Free State leg of the American Express Super 8 series concluded on Sunday after five days of action-packed tennis in Mangaung. The tournament, which followed the American Express Junior National Championships, showcased some of South Africa’s top rising tennis talents, with Reuben De Klerk and Jessica Schilz emerging as champions in the men’s and women’s singles categories, respectively.
In the men’s singles final, top seed De Klerk of Potchefstroom secured the title by defeating seventh seed Pieter Kotzé of the Western Cape with a 6-2, 6-4 victory. Despite narrowly missing out on the Junior Nationals title, De Klerk displayed determination to claim victory.
In the women’s singles final, third seed Jessica Schilz of Cape Town, claimed the title after defeating an impressive opponent Yenzokuhle Dladla in a closely contested match. Despite starting off shaky, Schilz fought bravely and ultimately urged victorious with a 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-2 win.
In addition to the open category titles, the tournament featured several other categories, with winners including Alicia Taylor (under-16 girls' singles), Lily Haley (under-14 girls' singles), Winnie Masemola (under-12 girls' singles), Bogdan Mandic (under-16 boys' singles), Tristan Van Der Merwe (under-14 boys' singles), and Tristan Summers (under-12 boys' singles), showcasing the depth of talent across South Africa.
Final Results
Singles
Boys
Open
[1] Reuben DE KLERK (NW) def. [7] Pieter KOTZÉ (WC) 6-2, 6-4
Under-16
[3] Bogdan MANDIC (FS) def. [9] Keagan GROBBELAAR (EC) 6-2, 6-4
Under-14
[6] Tristan VAN DER MERWE (WC) def. [13] Dawid FOURIE (WC) 6-2, 6-2
Under-12
[1] Tristan SUMMERS (GP) def. [5] Mpho BOWERS (GP) 6-0, 6-1
Girls
Open
[3] Jessica SCHILZ (WC) def. [7] Yenzokuhle DLADLA (KZN) 3-6, 7-6(1), 6-2
Under-16
[1] Alicia TAYLOR (WC) def. [2] Sophia KOEN (GP) 6-0, 6-1
Under-14
[4] Lily HALEY (WC) def. [3] Charlotte BOUWER (WC) 6-3, 6-3
Under-12
[1] Winnie MASEMOLA (GP) def. [7] Kamogelo MPONWANA (GP) 6-1, 6-4