[Tennis/NSTT] Clay court season 7 [RP/Results]

[San Ortelio]

Third Round - Singles - Results

Johmer Vales (1) (CEN)               6   6
Amara Charles (28) (BUC)             2   4

Davi Malakkar (16) (ACS)             2   1
Marisa Maradona (22) (CEN)           6   6

Alya Elyas (7) (SHT)                 6   6
Ljubomir Ivankovic (SRE)             3   2

Mirco Tonti (SOR)                    6   3   1
Jasmin Wayverson (TJU)               4   6   6

Arthur Leloup (3) (RCN)              6   6   6
Yaiza Rubi (31) (HSP)                7   3   3

Jack Ho (13) (ETM)                   1   6   2
Ivan Stimac (SRE)                    6   4   6

Fredrik Stagnelius (5) (PUG)         6   7
Augusta Björnstjörna (PUG)           2   5

Batera Siwara (10) (ERM)             4   7   1
Grayson Norris (GRU)                 6   5   6

Eva Sarvan (2) (ACS)                 6   6
Florian Durigan (LIS)                2   1

Arne Oxwald (PUG)                    6   6
Stephen Saltswoon (INS)              1   1

Maddison Scott (8) (ETM)             6   2   6
Mekar Laut (30) (ERM)                2   6   3

Freepan Jer (UNV)                    2   2
Tangeus Falk (24) (PUG)              6   6

John Ivanisevic (BGG)                3   6   7
Tena Spiricic (27) (SRE)             6   4   6

Graziano Giunti (14) (SOR)           3   6   6
Hildebrant Weisgerber (23) (RCN)     6   4   3

Orsolya Szabo (6) (GGY)              6   6
Eckehard Blumenberg (32) (GGY)       3   1

Sekar Laut (12) (ERM)                6   2   7
Bradley Tang (19) (UNV)              3   6   9

Round of Sixteen - Singles - Draw

First Quarter
(1) Johmer Vales (CEN)          vs (22) Marisa Maradona (CEN)
(7) Alya Elyas (SHT)            vs Jasmin Wayverson (TJU)

Second Quarter
(3) Arthur Leloup (RCN)         vs Ivan Štimac (SRE)       
(5) Fredrik Stagnelius (PUG)    vs Grayson Norris (GRU)

Third Quarter
(2) Eva Sarvan (ACS)            vs Arne Oxwald (PUG)    
(8) Maddison Scott (ETM)        vs (24) Tangeus Falk (PUG)                       

Fourth Quarter
John Ivanisevic (BGG)           vs (14) Graziano Giunti (SOR)
(6) Orsolya Szabo (GGY)         vs (19) Bradley Tang (UNV)

Second Round - Doubles - Results

Batera Siwara/Hemat Darwisa (1) (ERM)             1   4
Leonid Farkas/Goran Ibrahimovic (SRE)             6   6

Amara Charles/Rivera Bassett (16) (BUC)           6   6
Albert Yong/Freepan Jer (UNV)                     4   4

Lenta Rasmi/Jayadi Ahmad (8) (ERM/PCU)            6   6
Miguel Taberon/Isis Dimpal (ACS)                  4   2

Carrol Water/Cherrie Kane (9) (SHT)               6   6
Olga Mikhutina/Nadia Aliyeva (USR)                1   2

Diana Jansen/Haikal Jansen (4) (SHT)              6   7
Mindy Waterford/Theresa Waterford (KHD)           2   5

Arne Oxwald/Goran McEnroe (14) (PUG/BGG)          6   7
Margie Brown/Grayson Norris (GRU)                 1   5

Ilham Nugraha/Jimi Rusman (7) (PCU/ERM)           7   3   9
Mirco Tonti/Domenico Lunghi (SOR)                 5   6   7

Esterina Picarelli/Tristan Delisle (12) (RCN)     1   6   3
Milicent Broon/Alexander Dumor (KHD)              6   1   6

Val Korekal/Luciano Crepaldi (2) (CEN/SOR)        7   6
Valérie Chéron/Töbe Brassel (RCN)                 5   3

Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (15) (PCU)     6   7
Eka Mulyana/Elfa Mulyana (SDG)                    3   6

Mekar Laut/Sekar Laut (5) (ERM)                   6   6
André Bapako/Ana Radkkar (ACS)                    4   4

Jeremy Glass/Teegan Sosa (10) (GRU)               6   6
Tena Spiricic/Bojana Spanovic (SRE)               3   2

Jordina Silva/Fonzie Sartin (3) (INS)             6   6
Hardik Sarabhai/Archana Adhikari (PRT)            3   3

Jac Iegis/Liam Penderyn (13) (CEN)                6   2   6
Gusti Sing Nggawe/Uyah Nyonya (SDG)               2   6   4

Arlo Daniels/Emilio Robles (6) (BUC)              3   6   6
Kendra Fulhampton/Michael Fulhampton (TJU)        6   4   0

Samantha Budjedtson/Peter Feachell (11) (INS)     6   6   6
Jesus Grego/Timito Belmontes (HSP)                7   4   3

Round of Sixteen - Doubles - Draw

First Quarter
Leonid Farkaš/Goran Ibrahimović (SRE)         vs (16) Amara Charles/Rivera Bassett (BUC)      
(8) Lenta Rasmi/Jayadi Ahmad (ERM/PCU)        vs (9) Carrol Water/Cherrie Kane (SHT)      

Second Quarter
(4) Diana Jansen/Haikal Jansen (SHT)          vs (14) Arne Oxwald/Goran McEnroe (PUG/BGG) 
(7) Ilham Nugraha/Jimi Rusman (PCU/ERM)       vs Milicent Broon/Alexander Dumor (KHD)         

Third Quarter
(2) Val Korekal/Luciano Crepaldi (CEN/SOR)    vs (15) Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (PCU)
(5) Mekar Laut/Sekar Laut (ERM)               vs (10) Jeremy Glass/Teegan Sosa (GRU)

Fourth Quarter
(3) Jordina Silva/Fonzie Sartin (INS)         vs (13) Jac Iegis/Liam Penderyn (CEN)
(6) Arlo Daniels/Emilio Robles (BUC)          vs (11) Samantha Budjedtson/Peter Feachell (INS)

[Gnejs]

Fear and loathing in San Ortelio

…outlandish recollections on this edgy evening in Astello. Was it ten hours ago that I arrived? Twelve? Twenty-four? It seems like an epoch or sorts, or at least a short lifetime. This is the stuff that never rings twice; San Ortelio, always such a very distinct place to be a part of. No words can convey that feeling of being there, here, in this corner. The two faces of Astello; a beauty and beast in a smouldering embrace. Madness wherever you turn, at any hour, down in the bay. Seaside, riviera, esplanade, colours, food, fruit, hillside, hustle, taverna, the streets. What history lies beneath this small world I walk on this night? What struggles, what love and passions? A beautiful people dancing languidly on a beautiful piece of earth. A local coinage as quaint as the rickety hillside and the small green fairies forever chasing me from taverna to taverna; the Lira entices and seduces me to go even further where many have gone, but never quite like this. Boys and girls swirling, dancing in the streets, picking up and down; the taste of that local brew on ones lips, the feeling of dancing with a mysterious beauty on the slopes of that bay…

Henrik Werger, editor-in-chief for Smash! Magazine put down the story he'd been reading and sat in silence. After regaining his composure he picked up the phone that had been laying next to him, and adressed his journalist Jonas, who had been sent to San Ortelio to cover the current event.

"Jonas, what is this?!"

"So you read all of it already? You're fast! What do you think, great piece, eh?"

"I read all that I need to. I repeat: what is this?"

"Well, it's my feature. Of, eh, Astello, eh, and, you know. It's my piece."

"This is drivel! It doesn’t even mention the word 'tennis' once."

"Yeah, but you know, I felt like the magazine could really use some different type of flavour. You know, this is an atmospheric piece. Yes, right, that's what it is."

"Did you even go to any of the games?"

"Well, eh…"

"Because you know what this looks like, right? It looks like you got drunk on some local hooch you couldn’t stomach, got robbed, and to cover up you're trying to pass off your utter failure to do a simple job as some sort of avantgarde fusion."

"…"

"Hello?"

"So, ok. You're not wrong, per se. But, I still feel like there's a real kick here; something the readers will enjoy."

"Seriously? I might aswell publish something from The Daily Boing or The Turnip."

"That's a bit harsh."

"Whatever. We'll just paste something from one of the agencies and run that feature piece on Tangeus Falk again. Dammit, Jonas, this is weak; not good enough."

"I'm sorry."

"Yeah, yeah, whatever. I'll talk to you later. You back in Port Kejm yet?"

"…"

"Jonas?"

"…"

"You've lost you ticket home, haven't you?"

"Well, not as much 'lost' as misplaced it with that girl swirling on the streets on the hillside."

[San Ortelio]

IIIIIIIIIIIt's a cut-off

[Electrum]

Centralis Herald - Editorial - Luke Zhang

The worrying state of Electrum's singles tennis

The performance of Electrum's tennis players at the Astello International confirms a trend that we have reported on previously -- namely the lack of any new talent which can potentially fill the hole caused by the sudden retirement of Pelissa Giannapolous.

Electrum's performance at the Astello International has been a shambles. As an event that is dedicated to the lower ranked athletes, Electrum should have had a fair shot at having athletes going deep into the competition. Maddison Scott (8th), Jack Ho (seeded 13th) and Marcus Hathwar (15th) all entered the competition with seeds and a first round bye. As many tennis fans will know, these three were part of the original four (including Janet Riley) that debuted just a season ago. Billed as Electrum's newest hopes, they were to complement some of the more seasoned players on tour such as Carmichael Brown and Andrew Simmons. Unfortunately, it has not panned out that way. While Hathwar has in the meantime found massive success in the doubles, the quartet simply have not impressed in the singles.

Marcus Hathwar was the first domino to fall, losing in a tight two setter against Gnejs' Arne Oxwald. He was just unable to take the opportunities that Oxwald presented to him, with 11 out of 12 break points gone begging. And in the one break of serve he did manage, near the end of the second set, he promptly crumbled when trying to serve out for the set. There was a bit of tentativeness in the air -- his serve was awkward, he shanked the ball once, nothing was oging his way. Oxwald took the next two games handily to win the set and match. Meanwhile Jack Ho and Maddison Scott have had consecutive three-set matches, with Ho bowing out in round 3, and Scott continuing to round 4. With the quality of opponents they have been facing, these two should have won their first matches fairly easily. With two consecutive three-set matches, there are questions on whether Scott can go all the way, given that she's had some fatigue problems in the fast. In her match against Mekar Laut, she came on court with a rather conspicuous kinesio tape on her right knee, the one she's had the most problem with for the longest time. At times her movement was lacking, which allowed Laut to nearly steal the match.

But what is the root cause of our singles woes? We've always done very well in the doubles, but why can't we replicate our successes in the singles like other nations such as Ceni, TJUN-ia and Aqual? In short, it comes down to two factors -- the first is our unique developmental system. In a rather strange tradition, Electrumite children train and specialise in doubles first, before branching out to singles. As a result, Electrumites are just systematically better at the doubles given they've had more practice and experience in the discipline compared to the singles. This is despite the fact that singles tennis commands the most attention throughout the multiverse. The ELTA have been laggards in that regard.

Furthermore, the ELTA show a lack of faith in its players. Our second tier players are constantly submitted to the Tier 2 tournaments while perennial underperformers such as Carmichael Brown and Andrew Simmons are handed the Tier 1 spots by virtue of their rankings. That needs to change immediately. Underperforming players need to feel the pressure that their spots are in jeopardy. It's the only way to improve their performance while also giving the opportunity for players such as Janet Riley (who has been given a spot in the next tournament by virtue of Giannapolous' retirement) a chance to shine and experience a Tier 1 tournament.

There are massive structural problem in the ELTA singles division. It's time we recognise that and look to solutions so that we don't become a laughing stock in future seasons of the NSTT.

[Srednjaci]

ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL

Black clouds hovered over our tennis players

IVAN JURLINA : unbelievable but true, after Lucija Bagarić, Ljubomir Ivanković, Tena Špiričić dropped out of the tournament in singles and doubles with Bojana Španović. Ivan Štimac is also in the game, as well as the double pair Farkaš / Ibrahimović.

Alya Elyas (7) (SHT)                 6   6
Ljubomir Ivankovic (SRE)             3   2

Ivankovic's poor play left him without any chances against Ayla Elyas. Ivankovic made 12 double service errors but also collected 23 unforced errors. It was not a day to remember our tennis player. On the other hand, Ayla played patiently, felt Ivankovic's weakness and attacked his backhand which was a weaker shot and on which Ivankovic made the most mistakes.
"Bad, very bad ... I have nothing else to add. I'm going to take a shower and watch the video."

John Ivanisevic (BGG)                3   6   7
Tena Spiricic (27) (SRE)             6   4   6

John Ivanišević defeated Tena Špiričić with a reversal. The player from Baggieland reached the result in the third set. Tena had 4: 2 and a service for a 5: 2 lead, Ivanišević made a break and reached 4: 4. With the result 6: 5, Tena had two match points, but Ivanišević saved with great serves and equalized to 6: 6. In the tie break, Tena Špiričić's game completely falls apart. Aware of the opportunity she had but did not take advantage of. On the other hand, Ivanišević gained confidence and won the tie break with 7: 2 and with it the match."An unexpected defeat for me. At one point, for some reason, I stopped and started making mistakes. My opponent spotted the opportunity and took it. Congratulations to John. Let's move on to preparations for the rest of the season."

Jack Ho (13) (ETM)                   1   6   2
Ivan Stimac (SRE)                    6   4   6

Batera Siwara/Hemat Darwisa (1) (ERM)             1   4
Leonid Farkas/Goran Ibrahimovic (SRE)             6   6

Jeremy Glass/Teegan Sosa (10) (GRU)               6   6
Tena Spiricic/Bojana Spanovic (SRE)               3   2

[San Ortelio]

Singles - Round of 16 - Results

Johmer Vales (1) (CEN)           6   6   6
Marisa Maradona (22) (CEN)       2   7   3

Alya Elyas (7) (SHT)             7   6
Jasmin Wayverson (TJU)           5   2

Arthur Leloup (3) (RCN)          7   4   4
Ivan Å timac (SRE)               5   6   6

Fredrik Stagnelius (5) (PUG)     6   6
Grayson Norris (GRU)             3   2

Eva Sarvan (2) (ACS)             1   6
Arne Oxwald (PUG)                6   7

Maddison Scott (8) (ETM)         6   6
Tangeus Falk (24) (PUG)          3   2

John Ivanisevic (BGG)            4   6   7
Graziano Giunti (14) (SOR)       6   2   5

Orsolya Szabo (6) (GGY)          6   7   6
Bradley Tang (19) (UNV)          7   5   3

Singles - Quarterfinals - Draw

(1) Johmer Vales (CEN)          vs (7) Alya Elyas (SHT) 
Ivan Štimac (SRE)               vs (5) Fredrik Stagnelius (PUG)
Arne Oxwald (PUG)               vs (8) Maddison Scott (ETM) 
John Ivanisevic (BGG)           vs (6) Orsolya Szabo (GGY)

Doubles - Round of Sixteen - Results

Leonid Farkas/Goran Ibrahimovic (SRE)             3   6   6
Amara Charles/Rivera Bassett (16) (BUC)           6   3   3

Lenta Rasmi/Jayadi Ahmad (8) (ERM/PCU)            4   2
Carrol Water/Cherrie Kane (9) (SHT)               6   6

Diana Jansen/Haikal Jansen (4) (SHT)              7   3   3
Arne Oxwald/Goran McEnroe (14) (PUG/BGG)          5   6   6

Ilham Nugraha/Jimi Rusman (7) (PCU/ERM)           3   4
Milicent Broon/Alexander Dumor (KHD)              6   6

Val Korekal/Luciano Crepaldi (2) (CEN/SOR)        6   4   4
Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (15) (PCU)     0   6   6

Mekar Laut/Sekar Laut (5) (ERM)                   6   6   4
Jeremy Glass/Teegan Sosa (10) (GRU)               7   4   6

Jordina Silva/Fonzie Sartin (3) (INS)             6   4   6
Jac Iegis/Liam Penderyn (13) (CEN)                2   6   8

Arlo Daniels/Emilio Robles (6) (BUC)              6   7
Samantha Budjedtson/Peter Feachell (11) (INS)     4   6

Doubles - Quarterfinals - Draw

Leonid Farkaš/Goran Ibrahimović (SRE)         vs (9) Carrol Water/Cherrie Kane (SHT)      
(14) Arne Oxwald/Goran McEnroe (PUG/BGG)      vs Milicent Broon/Alexander Dumor (KHD)         
(15) Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (PCU) vs (10) Jeremy Glass/Teegan Sosa (GRU)
(13) Jac Iegis/Liam Penderyn (CEN)            vs (6) Arlo Daniels/Emilio Robles (BUC)

[Srednjaci]

ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL

IVAN ŠTIMAC AND DOUBLE PAIR IN THE QUARTERFINALS

IVAN JURLINA : Did anyone expect us to have a representative in the quarterfinals at Astello International? YES! Did anyone expect it to be Ivan Stimac? NO! Ivan Štimac reached the quarterfinals, which is the greatest success of any of our tennis players at the international level in general. We may have expected Tena Špiričić, Ljubomir Ivanković or Lucija Bagarić before, but Ivan Štimac came ready and prepared.

Arthur Leloup (3) (RCN)          7   4   4
Ivan  Štimac (SRE)               5   6   6

Ivan Štimac reached the quarterfinals of the tournament at Astello International with a turnaround in the match. Ivan managed to get Arthur Leloup from Recuecn out of rhythm with a great game on the net. The first set is a very even game. Leloup was always closer to a break, but he did not achieve it until the result of 5: 5 and the service of Ivan Štimac for 6: 5. štimac serves poorly, does not throw in any first serve, Leloup attacks second serve and comes to a break. He easily concludes the first set with his service game. And then a change of game at Štimac. Service - volley game begins to use and very successfully. That model and style does not suit the opponent, which leads to insecurity on Leloup. Štimac presses every ball, every shot arrives and Leloup falls out of rhythm. The match completely turns to the side of our player who won the next two sets.
"A tough match for me. My opponent is a really strong player and I saw that I had to change the style of play. Because what I've played so far Leloup had the answer to that. I'm glad I succeeded and I'm looking forward to the next match."

Leonid Farkaš/Goran Ibrahimović (SRE)             3   6   6
Amara Charles/Rivera Bassett (16) (BUC)           6   3   3

Our best tennis double pair made it to the quarterfinals. They knocked out the favored Amara Charles / Rivera Bassett, the sixteenth seed. The match did not start well for our tennis players but they managed to turn the score around and come to victory.
"This is great for us. The best result for us internationally since Leonid and I play together. A difficult match of course because the opponents are still stronger names than us but on the field it should be shown. We are excited and can't wait for the next match" Ibrahimović said.

[Baggieland]

[Gnejs]

The Disciple
Arne Oxwald – now a dedicated, albeit clandestine, follower of the Path of The One Ball – was performing well. All were in agreement that he was moving from clarity to clarity in his game, and that his progression was impressive. The GTF was thrilled, of course, and seized every opportunity to point out that Oxwald's participation in the Elite Programme of the Port Kejm Academy of Excellence was showing. It was true in a sense, of course. Arne had been brought up in an AoE and owed much of his game and dexterity to the training received there. He didn’t deny this in any way. But, it was his inauguration into the esoteric world of The One Ball that had really made a difference. Being at one with The One, tapping into its flow. It was this that had elevated his game, of this he had no doubt.

He had treasured the guidance from Tangeus Falk and Zarathustra Hansen. It had been invaluable on his journey. To be frank, he had treasured the former more. Hansen, while undoubtedly brilliant and a true source of knowledge of the metaphysics of both tennis and the world at large, was not the easiest person to be around. His demeanour was erratic and somewhat unnerving, like standing and watching Arne while he slept at night, or his insistence on Arne altering his diet, sometimes up to three times a week, all depending on the signs he was receiving. Falk, on the other hand, had been his anchor throughout his journey. Always calm and kind, patient and a comforting source of companionship in a confusing time. He was less rigid about the founding texts, and often told Arne that the most important movement were the one within him in his connection to the flow. In-depth interpretation of passages from the Tractatus could be beneficial, yes, but achieving this sort of theoretical understanding was not precarious at this stage. Tapping into the flow, not understanding how and why, that was the key for someone who lived The Path.

Now Hansen had given him what seemed like a sort of ultimatum. It was time that Arne took his devotion out of the shadows. In other words, he needed to drop out of the Elite Programme and sever his ties to the upper echelons of the GTF. Arne felt like this was the right thing to do, but he wasn’t ready for it yet. His coach, his training partners, all the support staff. Many of them were his friends, and all of them he had known his entire life. Breaking out of the programme didn’t mean cutting all of those people out of his life, not necessarily, but Falk had always been a bit of a loner, somehow apart from the rest of the Gnejsian players. While revered for his experience and legendary status, also always viewed with suspicion, and generally kept at a distance. Would this be Arne's faith as well? Would his old friends turn on him?

Arne sat down beneath a small tree on a hill just outside of Astello. While looking out over the bay he wandered off in thoughts.

[Srednjaci]

ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL

Ivan Jurlina : We met Tena Špiričić at the national tennis camp. Tena had a training session.
In the sun-drenched terrains, Tena was preparing for the rest of the season at the clay courts.

REPORTER: Tena, can I have a brief overview? Tena?

TENA: Guys, don't you see I'm in the middle of training? hitting the ball.



REPORTER: to take a break?

TENA: Break doesn't brings progress to the game! hitting the backhand



REPORTER: Tena, just a few words ...

TENA: hit the road Ivan! or I'll smash your head with a racket!

REPORTER: ok, thanks for chatting. Great girl, really great.
But we have a lot of excitement today because Ivan Štimac is playing against Fredrik Stagnelius from Gnejs.
The fifth holder of the tournament will be the favorite in this match but we believe in miracles.

[San Ortelio]

Doubles - Quarterfinals - Results

Leonid Farkas/Goran Ibrahimovic (SRE)             7   6
Carrol Water/Cherrie Kane (9) (SHT)               5   4

Arne Oxwald/Goran McEnroe (14) (PUG/BGG)          6   7
Milicent Broon/Alexander Dumor (KHD)              1   6

Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (15) (PCU)     7   7
Jeremy Glass/Teegan Sosa (10) (GRU)               6   5

Jac Iegis/Liam Penderyn (13) (CEN)                3   1
Arlo Daniels/Emilio Robles (6) (BUC)              6   6

Doubles - Semifinals - Draw

Leonid Farkaš/Goran Ibrahimović (SRE)         vs (14) Arne Oxwald/Goran McEnroe (PUG/BGG)
(15) Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (PCU) vs (6) Arlo Daniels/Emilio Robles (BUC)

Singles - Quarterfinals - Results

Johmer Vales (1) (CEN)           5   6   4
Alya Elyas (7) (SHT)             7   4   6

Ivan Å timac (SRE)               6   3   5
Fredrik Stagnelius (5) (PUG)     4   6   7

Arne Oxwald (PUG)                win by default*
Maddison Scott (8) (ETM)         

John Ivanisevic (BGG)            6   6
Orsolya Szabo (6) (GGY)          4   2

*Maddison Scott retires match due to injury

Singles - Semifinals - Results

(7) Alya Elyas (SHT)            vs (5) Fredrik Stagnelius (PUG)
Arne Oxwald (PUG)               vs John Ivanisevic (BGG)

[Gnejs]

Quiet before the storm
Arne Oxwald was sitting at an open-air cafe by the Astello waterfront sipping orange juice. When he glanced towards the tables next to him, he suddenly recognized fellow Gnejsian competitor Fredrik Stagnelius a few tables down. Their eyes meet, and Arne raised his glass. Stagnelius raised his glass in return. For a moment they both sat in silence, admiring the sun setting over the bay. After a few minutes, Stagnelius got up with his glass in hand and started moving towards Arne’s table.

“Hello Arne,” he said.

“Hi Fredrik.”

“Congratulations on reaching the semifinals.”

“Thanks, you too. Wanna sit down?”

Fredrik nodded, smiled and pulled up a chair.

“You did great against Štimac today. Really solid game.”

Fredrik smiled again and nodded his head

“Thank you. You’ve been playing really great as well. I think you’ve impressed quite a few people these past days.”

Arne took a sip of his glass and slightly tilted his head from side to side.

“Walkover in the quarter though.”

“Sure, but that happens. Nothing to say you wouldn’t have gotten here anyhow.”

“I don’t know, I have a feeling Scott would’ve won, had the thing gone through.”

“No way of knowing.”

“Yeah, I guess. Still, pretty sure.”

“You should be proud. A semifinal is big.”

“True. Tier 2, you know, but still.”

“Yes, still.”

The two men sat in silence for a while. While fellow competitors, they didn’t know each other very well. Arne grew up in Port Kejm in the east, and Fredrik hailed from western Gnejs. And there was an age difference as well, with Fredrik being Arne’s senior. They had competed in the nationals at the same time on a few occasions, but they had never actually encountered one another on the court. And during stays abroad, Arne usually spent his free time with Augusta or Georg (although now increasingly more with Falk).

Fredrik cleared his throat.

“I see you’re playing Ivanisevic tomorrow.”

Arne nodded.

“A Baggie. A friend.”

Arne nodded again.

“The Baggies are our friends, as my father often reminds me of.”

“I struggled a bit before my game against McEnroe. Had trouble reconciling the Customs with competing.”

Arne looked surprised and laughed lightly.

“You didn’t seem to be struggling on court, I’ll tell you that.”

“No, well I was counseled that truly giving would be giving my Friend a fair game and a chance at achieving, rather than passively receiving.”

Arne nodded his head and sat in silence briefly before answering.

“I like that.”

“Yeah, I felt good about that too. But, I just wanted to tell you. That, eh, well, our Friend didn’t necessarily feel the same way, and, well... he went on a tirade of sorts, you might say. Heavy on expletives and some local Baggie idioms I’m not too accustomed with. But the gist of it seemed to revolve around the Rock of Friendship, several synonyms for the, eh, rectum, and instructions for insertions of some kind. It wasn’t all that clear where it should be inserted, but whatever the alternative, it did seem like a grave desecration.”

Arne laughed

“Goran wasn’t much pleased, no! But he’s not that bad, really. Channeled that energy into his game though; he’s actually been playing far better after you beat him. Truly, he’s been carrying us through the last rounds. Besides, Ivanisevic is nothing like that.”

Fredrik nodded and smiled.

“Ok. That’s good to know. You trained together in Port Kejm, right?”

“Yeah, until, you know..”

“Yeah, that was bad.”

“Yes. Bad”

Arne finished his juice and got up.

“When was the last time the Union had two players in a semifinal?”

Fredrik got up as well.

“‘78. Midlander and Eidsberg.”

“Right.”

They started walking towards the city as the sun set on another beautiful day in San Ortelio.

[Baggieland]

[San Ortelio]

Semifinals - Doubles - Results

Leonid Farkas/Goran Ibrahimovic (SRE)             6   3  13
Arne Oxwald/Goran McEnroe (14) (PUG/BGG)          3   6  11

Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (15) (PCU)     2   7   6
Arlo Daniels/Emilio Robles (6) (BUC)              6   6   3

Doubles - Final


Leonid Farkaš/Goran Ibrahimovič (SRE) vs Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Aya Maherani (15) (PCU)


Semifinals - Singles - Results

Alya Elyas (7) (SHT)             4   4
Fredrik Stagnelius (5) (PUG)     6   6

Arne Oxwald (PUG)                3   6
John Ivanisevic (BGG)            6   7

Singles - Final

Fredrik Stagnelius (5) (PUG) vs John Ivanisevic (BGG)

[Baggieland]

[Srednjaci]

ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL

HISTORICAL MOMENT FOR SREDNJACIA'S TENNIS !!
FINALS FOR FARKAŠ AND IBRAHIMOVIĆ IN THE DOUBLES GAME

IVAN JURLINA : Amazing what was happening on the grounds of Astello International in San Ortelio. We watched a great match between our couples Leonid Farkaš and Goran Ibrahimović against the combination of Arne Oxwald / Goran McEnroe, fourteen seeded double. Arne Oxwald is from Gnejs and Goran McEnroe is from Baggieland. The guys are great and will continue to play together. As far as we can see, the winning combination does not need to be changed.

Leonid Farkas/Goran Ibrahimovic (SRE)             6   3  13
Arne Oxwald/Goran McEnroe (14) (PUG/BGG)          3   6  11

It didn't go well for our double. Our guys entered the match nervously and lost their serve right at the start. They had two chances to equalize, but the opponents did not allow you to use those opportunities. 6: 3 ended the first set for a double pair from Gnejs and Beggieland. In the second set both sides held their serves firmly until 3: 3 when Arne Oxwald had a 4: 3 serve. However he serves poorly, out of the first four serves he hits only three, which ours use and attack second serves, and that is a break. Farkaš and Ibrahimović lead 4: 3. Ibrahimović reaches 5: 3 with his serve. Nervousness can already can be cut with a knife in Arne Oxwald and Goran McEnroe. Goran is as insecure on the service as his partner before. Farkaš and Ibrahimović manage to make the second break and take the set with 6: 3! The third set is an amazing game of both doubles players. The services are firmly up to 5: 5, the first to break are Arne Oxwald and Goran McEnroe. Farkaš served poorly and the opponents have 6: 5 and service for the match. Again Arne Oxwald is nervous and drops his serve for 6: 6. Again, we are all at zero, the match continues to the delight of the audience watching the spectacle. And again we see the same scenario at 10:10. Farkaš serves and Arne Oxwald and Goran McEnroe play great on the net and come to a break in 11:10. Arne Oxwald serves again for the match and again Farkaš and Ibrahimović get out of a difficult situation. Two match points for Oxwald and McEnroe. In one difficult rally McEnroe sends a great ball, Farkaš with great difficulty reaches the ball and lifts it into the air. McEnroe wants to smash for the win, he smahes but loses his balance and the ball ends up in the net. There is one more match ball left, Oxwald serves on Ibrahimović, Ibrahimović hits a great parallel and that is the return winner. At that point, Arne Oxwalds and Goran McEnroes game completely falls apart. Farkaš and Ibrahimović equalize at 11:11, serve great for a lead of 12:11 and then the nervous McEnroe loses his serve and our guys win the set with 13:11 and thus the match! A match that lasted long into the night and the spectators enjoyed every move of these four players. What a show they just showed!

LEONID FARKAŠ

Congratulations to our opponents on great tennis. Congratulations to my partner as well because we really showed that we have character. This is our first final and we are very happy about it. I don't know what else to say except that this match was of incredible quality and that all our effort and work finally paid off.

GORAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ

Wow! This was an awsome match! Congratulations to McEnroe and Oxwald on a great game. The guys are masters and play great together. But we have shown that we can beat such big double pair as well. Our tennis is at a top level. We believed in ourselves and in each other. I think that led us to this result. Thank you.

Opponents in the final to our tennis players will be a couple from Pamecutan Putu Listya Dewi and Putu Ayu Maherani.

[Gnejs]

Reminiscing
Karsten sat down and handed over one of the two pints he was carrying to Torgeir. It was amber in colour and had the characteristic foam and clearness of traditional eastern brews.

“Steam today, eh?” Torgeir asked.

“‘The working man’s pick’, as the saying goes.”

“Back in the days. Bet it cost you twice of the lager.”

“Yep. Being authentically working class is expensive.”

The two men clinked their glasses together and gulped down eagerly. They sat in silence for a while, surveying the square. It was bustling with people enjoying the increasingly warmer weather; spring had undoubtedly come to Port Kejm.

Torgeir took off his jacket and fished out a pair of sunglasses from his breast pocket. He put them on and said

“Finals today. Like old times.”

“Yeah, when was the last time the Union had a final spot. ‘81? Eidsberg?”

“‘82, Midlander in the Maxtopian Slam.”

“Right, yeah, of course. Haha, I must’ve repressed that. Went down in flames, he did.”

“Yup. End of an era captured in a single moment.”

Karsten downed the rest of his glass and put it firmly down on the table. He looked at Torgeir, and the other man got up and nodded. After a few minutes he returned with fresh pints. He handed one to Karsten and sat down.

“That Ivanisevic though, right?”

“Yeah, some friend. Robbing us of having a full Union final. That’s not giving, I’d say.”

“No, taking, rather.”

“Yep.”

“When was the last time the Union had both players in a final?”

“‘68. Korg and Toqvist.”

“The good old days.”

“You could get a Kejm Steam for less than a Leaf back then.”

The men sat in silence for a long time. The people crossing the square and frequenting the many open-air places was thinning. Karsten emptied his glass.

“This new generation plays a good game though.”

Torgeir nodded.

“Could be the start of something.”

[San Ortelio]

It's the final cutoff...

---

Doubles - Final

Leonid Farkas/Goran Ibrahimovic (SRE)             6   6
Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (15) (PCU)     2   3

Singles - Final

Fredrik Stagnelius (5) (PUG)     6   6   6
John Ivanisevic (BGG)            4   7   4

[Baggieland]

As the tournament is over, click on the link below for a classic moment!

https://youtu.be/t0hK1wyrrAU

[Srednjaci]

ANTILIA MASTERS

The season has started on clay pitches.Costa de Oro, ANTILIA MASTERS will host tennis players and among them will be players from DR Srednjaci.


TENA ŠPIRIČIĆ - 20 years, 179 cm, 69 kg, born in Katanija. our best ranked tennis player, is currently in 130th position and for this year 49th position. It has a 4: 2 win-loss ratio. At Electrum Slam she was the most successful.An excellent tactician on the field, a very intelligent player with great technique. She compensates for her's lack of strong punches with fast legs, great technique and quick reactions.
She reads the game very well and closes the possibilities of getting easy points to the opponent. Does'nt make a lot of unforced errores during the match, all around player, with incredible defensive skills, return to the field every ball she catches. She has great overhead smash, terrific volley, great forehand and backhand.
Serves accurately and precisely, rarely makes mistakes on service. The balls have rotations and bounce faster in contact with the ground.
There is no speed like Lucija Bagarić but her first serves are hard to read and return. Tena also uses a two-handed hidden backhand that is also hard to read. She often annoys his opponents with his game because She returns each ball and thus forces the opponent to take an one more shot, which is often an unforced error for an annoyed opponent.
She is a former Srednjaci champion, and a former junior Srednjaci champion. The last tournament she won is the Melarit Gold Coast Open two months ago.
The win-loss ratio last season was 47:15, earning 2.3 million Dalats.
Tena Špiričić played her first match outside DR Srednjaci in the qualifications of the Steiningestrasse tournament and beat Benedicto Napoletani (YVK) with 6: 4,4: 6,6: 2. In the first round of the tournament she beat Zunaira Hardy (BUC) with 4: 6,7: 6,6: 0! In the second round, she was defeated by Rodrick Uppatin (31) (KHD) with 6: 3.6: 2.
At the Electrum Slam, she lost a match in the third round to winner Valentina Spetsova. After a hard and even fight, Spetsova was better.

Valentina Spetsova (18) (TJU)        6   5   5   6   6
Tena Špiričić (WC) (SRE)                1   7   7   4   3

This result speaks of the quality of Tena Špiričić. She can fight equally for the very top.

ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL
Tena Špriričić played well in the tournament however again paid tribute to inexperience. She lost the third round match to John Ivanicevic of Baggieland. However despite this early relegation, Tena is the top ranked tennis player from the Srednjaci and comes to the Antilia Masters with a Wild Card.

John Ivanisevic (BGG)                3   6   7
Tena Spiricic (27) (SRE)             6   4   6

ANTILIA MASTERS
She will not have an easy task in the first round, she will have to face Abelie Fontana from Recuecn.



LJUBOMIR IVANKOVIĆ - 22 years old, 185 cm, 79 kg, plays with his right hand, two-handed backhand. He is currently ranked 150th in the world and is the 64th player in the world this year. He is the second best positioned tennis player from Srednjaci with a 4: 2 win-loss ratio.
The player from the baseline prefers clay, but he also manages very well on hard surfaces. He can keep the ball in the game for a long time and has a great drop shot!
moves very well, great leg work. He returned to tennis after a one-year break due to injury and in the final of the championship DR Srednjaci lost to Ivan Štimac with 7: 5,3: 6,3: 6, 6: 4,1: 6!
He is good on the serve, he often has over 75% of the interception of the first serve and almost 82% of the points won after the first serve. The average speed of the first service is 182 kmh (113 mph), the fastest service is 211 kmh (131 mph).
He places his services very well and mostly likes kick service from the body or flat service in the body.
He misses a good game online.
In DR Srednjaci he has the most victories in his career, collecting 64 and 12 defeats.
Ivankovic played in the Steiningestrassetournament and won in the first round Gregory Huemenn (INS) with 6: 4,1: 6,6: 4 and in the second round he lost to Mindy Waterford (5) (KHD) with 7: 5,6: 4 so in tournaments it has a 1: 1 ratio!
At the Electrum Slam, Ivankovic lost in the second round in a great match to finalist Navsal.

Ljubomir Ivanković (Q) (SRE)           6   3   4   6   2
Ardil Navsal (9) (CEN)                    4   6   6   4   6

This result speaks of the quality of Ljubomir Ivanković.

ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL
At Astello International, Ivanković lost in the third round to Alya Elyas, the seventh player in the tournament, seveth seed.

Alya Elyas (7) (SHT)                    6   6
Ljubomir Ivankovic (SRE)              3   2

At the Antilia Masters, Ivanković will have to face qualifications. In the first qualifying round they will play against Scott Durin from Lisander.


LUCIJA BAGARIĆ - 19 years old, 183 cm tall, 72 kg, born in Bistua Nuova and also plays for Smash Tennis Club.
Lucija has a win-loss ratio of 4: 2, she is currently in the 164th position, but she is also the 73rd player in the world for this year.
With her tennis club, she won the DR Srednjaci championship last year. Muscular constitutions of the body, she plays with her right hand, one-handed backhand is also her best shot in the game. She likes all substrates but mostly grassy and hard courts.
Great foot work and pure power from the baseline give her the ability to quickly transit the game to the net.
She plays very well on the net, she also plays doubles so her volley is great, she is very successful, it is hard to lob her.
Her service is phenomenal. Serve quickly, powerfully and very accurately. Lucija has the best ratio of ases vs double foults in Srednjaci. She served 504 aces in 72 matches played, which is 7 per match.
She served the most aces in match against Irina Prydruchna in the first round of the Dormatisi Open. In two sets, she served 26 aces and only 1 double fault.
Strong service allows her to play "serve-volley".
Her fastest forehand was 168 kmh (104 mph) and her one-handed backhand was 161 kmh (100 mph). Her service is 82% of interceptions and after the first service she gets 86% of points! The average speed of the first service is 179 kmh (111mph) and the fastest speed service is 211 kmh (131 mph).
In the individual women's competition, she won gold at the championship in DR Srednjaci with a victory in the final against the then champion Tena Špiričić with 6: 7, 6: 2, 6: 4.
In mixed doubles, she was first in a pair with Leonid Farkaš.
Lucija Bagarić made great progress in the return game. The opponent's second serve waits inside the court in front of the baseline and perceives the direction of the first serve very well so that he returns the ball to the opponent very well and strongly.
Lucija had a win-loss ratio of 66: 6 last season. She won 10 titles in the DR Srednjaci and earned 3.1 million Dalats.
Lucija Bagarić played qualifiers at the Steiningestrasse tournament and beat Constantino Benedetto (YVK) with 6: 0.6: 4 but lost in the first round of the tournament to Stephen Saltswoon (INS) with 6: 4,4:6,1:6.
At the Electrum Slam, she was unlucky, getting injured in a match and eventually losing. She started well and won the first set. However at the start of the second set, a thigh muscle injury stopped her. She did not surrender the match but could not move.

Lonus Varalin (4) (CEN)                3   6   6   6
Lucija Bagarić (Q) (SRE)               6   1   1   1

ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL
A somewhat disappointing performance for Lucija Bagarić at Astello International. She expected more from her performance in the tournament. However, she lost the second round match to Bradley Tang.

Bradley Tang (19) (UNV)              6   6   6
Lucija Bagarić  (SRE)                7   2   1

At the Antilia Masters, Bagarić will have to qualify first. Her first hurdle will be Arlo Vallez.


IVAN ŠTIMAC - 21 years old, all around player but most successful on clay courts.
Štimac is currently the 212th player in the world and the 102nd player in the world for this year. It has a win-loss ratio of 2: 2.
183 cm, 82 kg, muscular build, left-handed play, one-handed backhand. A very awkward player who can beat anyone but doesn’t have a constant so he can easily lose as well. He is very fast and agile, he moves great on the field, he has a good volley and more than a great forehand with which he has an advantage in the game.
Ivan is quite good on the service, he doesn't make mistakes, but he is not a service player either.
Born in Katanija he plays for the Comet Tennis Club. The champion is DR Srednjaci, in the final he was better than Ljubomir Ivanković 5: 7,6: 3,6: 3, 4: 6,6: 1!
Very combative player, runs a lot on the field and has great endurance.
He won only 2 tournaments last year including the championship. He even played 6 times in the finals and lost all 6 to Ivanković. Win-loss ratio 42:18.
Ivan Štimac played qualifiers at the Steiningestrasse tournament and was better than John Ivanisevic (BGG) in the first match with 7: 6,6: 7,6: 4. In the first round, Goran McEnroe (BGG) won with 7: 5, 6: 3.
In the second round, he lost smoothly to Martha McNeil (27) (GRU) with 6: 1, 6: 0.

ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL
At Astello International, Ivan Štimac achieved career results. Stimac played in the quarterfinals but lost to Fredrik Stagnelius.

Ivan štimac (SRE)               6   3   5
Fredrik Stagnelius (5) (PUG)    4   6   7

Štimac worked very well with his team.
At the Antilia Masters, Štimac will play in the qualifiers and his opponent will be the winner of the match Lokesh Sarda (PRT) vs Freepan Jer (UNV)


Leonid Farkaš/Goran Ibrahimović The most successful tennis pair in DR Srednjaci, an incredible series of 9 tournaments in a row undefeated. A great couple who understand each other very well and there is a special energy between the two of them on the field.
LEONID FARKAŠ 24 years old, the oldest of 5 children. brother Hrvoje also plays tennis but he is 13 years old. Sister Danijela Farkaš is an athlete, high jump. Ivana Farkaš, second sister is a swimmer and his youngest brother Leon Farkaš trains football.
He is 187 cm tall, 87 kg, plays with his right hand, two-handed backhand. Excellent service that can go at speeds over 220 km / h.
Born in Katania, he plays for the Comet Tennis Club.
GORAN IBRAHIMOVIĆ - 23 years old, 180 cm tall, 78 kg. Very fast player with great reflexes. He reads the game great and has a very good overview of the game.
Ibrahimovic is a good player in singles but prefers doubles.
He was born in the small town of Liska near Katanija. As a boy, he trained alpine skiing, but still decided to play tennis because, as he says, he himself does not like snow and winter.

WINNERS OF ASTELLO INTERNATIONAL

Leonid Farkaš and Goran Ibrahimović they achieved the greatest success in the history of international tennis in Srednjaci. They are the first tennis players to be crowned winners of an international tennis tournament from Srednjaci. In the final, Astello International they defeated Putu Listya Dewi and Putu Ayu Maherani of Pamecutan and secure the first title.

Leonid Farkas/Goran Ibrahimovic (SRE)             6   6
Putu Listya Dewi/Putu Ayu Maherani (15) (PCU)     2   3

ANTILIA MASTERS first round
Leonid Farkaš/Goran Ibrahimović
Gusti Sing Nggawe/Uyah Nyonya (SDG)

[San Ortelio]

Emberton, Krytenia. Bartolo Sabanero wins the decisive point and lifts a trophy which confirms his status as the sports greatest of the moment, the final exclamation point of an impeccable streak which saw the Aquilian win three consecutive top class tournament.

At that point of the sixth season of the NSTT, ten tournaments have been contested. If one disregards the omnipresence of the Pemecutani for a second, they have been won by five competitors from four different nations. Thierry Garzala. Mattias Burges. Dominika Lisicki. Pelissa Giannapolous. Bartolo – of course – Sabanero. Add to that a Ricardo Toli and you have got yourself the cream of the crop of international tennis.

Fast forward to the start of the Antillia Masters. A perennial presence on the Tour, one of the stable presences on the agenda and a clear confirmation that the clay season is now in full swing. Yet, none of the above mentioned names will grace the court in the upcoming week. Some saw their association back away from the international scene, others hung up their racket and called it a day. The scenery might still be the same but the stars have realigned, a new inner circle of recognizable names which set the hearts of the fans alight. The only question remaining is: who of them will step up and become the primus inter pares, the first among the stars?

If one looks for a new leader, it is no surprise that one turns to a nation which has played a key role in the existence of the NSTT. Electrum is currently the ruler against which the opposition is measured in the doubles game – and usually the latter ends up short. Zhuo continues her reign with a Cenian partner, Ronya is enough of a household name to run by their shorthand and Marcus Hathwar confirmed his status with a win in the Steinigestrasse Open, together with Spencer Kohnhead. In the singles game, a much different scenario can be seen. Currently, not a single Electrumite positions in the best twenty-five of the running year – with Maddison Scott lurking just outside of it. Many had their money on Andrew Simmons to step up the bat and pick up the number one shirt for one of the big tennis nations out there but the man himself – nicknamed Dirtballboy by his domestic press – seems to bottle under the pressure. We can even wonder whether he will be able to stay part of that inner circle, let alone dominate it.

What might make more sense is to look at those who survived the shift in hegemony, the Pemecutani duo Dewa Putu Adrian Putra and Ngurah Putra Muliawan. Both captured a major trophy in the past twelve months, both enter every tournament for which they sign up as a candidate for glory. Especially Muliawan has been recognized as a fan favorite, as evidenced by the collective shock when he fell out of the Cenian Open due to illness. Yet, his track record combines the highs and the lows – his marvelous and victorious Finals performance gets intersected with too many early round exits. It is something which befalls Adrian Putra far less: he is an assurance on a deep run, even when competing out of his preferred surface. This sort of consistency only comes from a high skill level, making him a commendable candidate for the number one position once the figures from Sabanero and Giannapoulos start dwindling. However, some claim he lacks the natural star quality Muliawan possesses and consistent hard work and results sometimes comes with the predicate ‘boring’ – according to the tabloids, that is.

Tabloids just want names to devour, new ones. Mindy Waterford from Kohnhead ensured to be that new name in the Cenian Open. All of a sudden, she leapfrogged Pole and others to become the figurehead of her country with a first Grand Slam final. Despite being a known name, it had a hint of a Cinderella story to it: the player previously seen as good, admirable and nice – but not dominant or tough, which are far better qualities in international sports – suddenly broke the glass ceiling. The story did not have a happy ending, yet the ‘girl next door’ now is part of the inner circle. Fans across the multiverse wish for the approachable and hard working Waterford – evidenced by the fact that she bothered traveling to a Tier Two tournament just for some doubles game – to stand her ground in the upcoming major tournaments and all those in the know agree: she will have more final and semifinal appearances. She is a contender for sure but characterwise, it is hard to figure her as dominant.

Speaking of which – who would dare to look past Louis Varalin in this debate? The Cenian eats journalists for breakfasts and is as well-known for his bursts of energy on the court as for his rage next to it. Louis Varalin makes headlines, gets the multiverse talking and – like it or not – performs in almost every game. His elimination out of the Electrum Slam came as a surprise, a rare blimp in what has been a line of top class appearances. On any court, on any surface, Varalin is the favorite – or at least, that’s what he seems to believe. Can Louis Varalin grab the number one spot on the rankings in time? Yes, most definitely. He is currently climbing to third already and might surpass Pelissa Giannapolous by the end of the week. But does that make Varalin the leading star? Or is he the antagonist, the one that divides the crowd, the man you love to hate? Everyone agrees that Varalin is crucial to the story but it doesn’t make you the King (or Queen) of the sport.

Because to hold that position, one needs a certain image on top of top-class performances: both omnipresent and positive. Is Ardil Navsal a top tier player? Of course, all will agree, possibly the most consistent one of the year. Can he win every tournament he starts? Once again, yes. No one enjoys the thought of facing him when stepping into the arena. But he is not the dominant voice of the debate, not the one that gets compared to instead of being compared. Even within Ceni, he’s not the one with the most headlines and gets in the shadows. He rather is the admirable teddy bear, the happy face next to Varalin’s thunder cloud, the one who everyone applauds for – but not the killer. This also rules out our very own Fiorenzo Tartoni. His underdog grand slam victory in Ceni got the hands clapping and the crowds on the benches. A rare breed of gentleman in the cutthroat world of top tennis, Tartoni charmed the fans with his style. It got him a Silver Racquet, but it is telling that it is for his Sportsmanship – not for his ball-hitting qualities. An admirable side character, yet nothing more.

So for the true star, we can only turn to one place. TJUN-ia.

No, we don’t mean – as much as we love him – the Kloor of Toropo. The man with the most recognizable nickname in pro tennis carved his way to the top of the table step by step, eventually seeing him triumph in the Steinigestrasse. He is an entertainer who got where he belongs through hard work – one step at a time. Many want Jean van de Kloor to add more titles to his belt and whilst he’s a strong player, he is not the supertalent, the measure. That honour has to go to a compatriot of his…

Our safest bet for the new Sabanero, the Queen of the Court, the one that gets the central picture on the franchise videogame, the one whose name fills the X in the ‘yeah, but he/she is not as good as X’, the one who is featured most prominently on all promotion material of any tournament – maybe next to a local. It is Valentina Spetsova. First of all, and always most importantly, there are results. If it wasn’t for Tiebreak Tartoni, she might have possessed two Grand Slams at this point already – just this season. There is an incredible amount of talent from the eighteen-year old who seems to excel at everything she puts her head to, being it singles or doubles. There is the abundance of style, grace and star quality, summed up in the Scarlet nickname. Of course there are many others with some of those qualities. What about Fontana, silently becoming more than just a regular? Elegant power couple Rogers and McNeil? Or new shooting stars Heraxlit, Ivanisevic and ProudSmith?

They’re class, no doubt. But they are currently still just a top player in their own category. Only one unites the consistency of Adrian Putra, the headlines of Varalin, the industriousness of Waterford, the style of Tartoni, the charm of Navsal. It’s all in one person, Valentina Spetsova, who now stands for the challenge to cement her newfound status as the NSTT leading lady with a dominant series of tournaments.

[Gnejs]

Excerpt from Smash! Magazine – Sunday edition April 18th.

Tennis is coming home
By Thea Wilmer
It has happened. What we were banking on Magnus Wijkström to give us during the late 90's. What everyone said Tangeus Falk would achieve from the mid 00's to the early 10's. What people were certain that Dorotea Granit would do in these our current times. What we have longed for has become reality. A Gnejsian competitor has yet again prevailed and ascended as the last one standing in a tournament on the international circuit. About time, a fair few would say, seeing as some of us weren't even born the last time.

So, what about the how, who and where? The Astello International down in San Ortelio is a new fixture. It's Tier 2. A lot of people will point this out to you, as if excelling here is less of an achievement. And sure, they're not wrong per se. A capped tournament entails the absence of the greater stars, and therefore the quality of the competition will undoubtedly be lower. No point denying this, but come on; I'll take winning a Tier 2 over failing a Tier 1 any day. And here's another little nugget for you: it happened on clay, people. Now, no one would've raised an eyebrow if one of the southern stars of old triumphed on clay (and they often did; did anyone say Steffen Eidsberg!). But someone from the northern slice of the west? Bred on hardcourt and grass? I didn't think they even grasped the concept of sliding into the ball during a stroke, but man was I wrong.

That brings us to the "who", namely Fredrik Stangelius. Are you getting that feeling? You know, when there's a little voice inside your head saying 'that sounds familiar' or 'have I heard that name before? I'm sure I have.' Yeah, you're not alone, most people seem to have a tendency to forget about ol' "Steady-Freddy". Why? Well, he's always been the perpetual middleman of sorts, and relegated to the shadows of the older and beloved Falk, or the younger and more fierce Granit. The advent of yet a new generation of agile movers and hard hitters – Heraklit, Oxwald and Björnstjärna – only seems to have accentuated his status of oblivion in the public's eye. While the dominant force of western tennis the last couple of years, he's never made a real breakthrough nationally. Although a permanent fixture in yearly nationals, he has actually never won, or even reached the finals. Then again, he has never not reached the semi-finals. There's a reason they call him "steady". And, some people say that he's just boring. Not only his style of playing, but also as a person. A colleague of mine who interviewed him after he lost to Granit in last year's nationals said it was like talking to plywood. A bit harsh, maybe, but I guess the point stands; his cloistered demeanour and rigid personality is probably not doing him any favours in terms of popularity, or just plain recognition.

But maybe all that is about to change? The Union has hungered for a title for decades, and "Steady-Freddy" has brought us just that. On clay, no less. Or maybe not. Even I have to admit that his game in San Ortelio, while technically perfect, was disconcertingly boring. Say what you will about the track record of someone like Tangues Falk, but it's never boring watching him play.

In any case, Stagnelius has brought us something vital. Not just a title, but hope. While tennis might not be home yet, it has finally begun moving. And for that he deserves the infinite gratitude of our entire Union.

[Costa de Ouro]

This is your first cutoff!

Singles — Qualifying (Round 1)

Ektaa Ambekar (PRT)           6   6
Alexandra Makarova (USR)      3   4

Sandra Mae (DOT)              7   6
Samantha Budjedtson (INS)     6   4

Jesus Grego (HSP)             1   6   6
Cut Malia Inawan (SDG)        6   2   8

Rivera Bassett (BUC)          6   6
Matthew Arp (UNV)             3   2

Fulop Esterhazy (GGY)         6   6   6
Alen Glesnik (DOT)            7   4   3

Lokesh Sarda (PRT)            6   2   0
Freepan Jer (UNV)             3   6   6

Singles — Qualifying (Round 2)

Lucy Muneer (SHT)            6   5   6
Ektaa Ambekar (PRT)          2   7   1

Arlo Daniels (BUC)           6   6
Sandra Mae (DOT)             4   4

Tangeus Falk (PUG)           6   6
Cut Malia Inawan (SDG)       1   3

Goran McEnroe (BGG)          3   6   6
Rivera Bassett (BUC)         6   3   3

Austin McDanielson (TJU)     4   7   6
Fulop Esterhazy (GGY)        6   6   4

Ivan Štimac (SRE)            5   6   6
Freepan Jer (UNV)            7   2   4

Iris Bergadhga (ACS)         7   6
Edo Sauso (SDG)              6   3

Lucija Bagarić (SRE)         7   6
Arlo Vallez (HSP)            6   1

Luciano Crepaldi (SOR)       7   6
Kaustuv Kublev (USR)         6   4

Albert Yong (UNV)            6   6
Dhrivika Kanvinde (PRT)      4   3

Mekar Laut (ERM)             7   6
Teuku Citra (SDG)            6   1

Massimo Recinella (SOR)      6   6
Timito Belmontes (HSP)       4   2

Andrea Vergnani (SOR)        6   6
Vilim Gulić (DOT)            1   0

Mathew Giovanni (INS)        6   7
Peter Grischuck (USR)        3   5

Ljubomir Ivanković (SRE)     7   3   6
Scott Durin (LIS)            5   6   1

Zunaira Hardy (BUC)          6   0   6
Fonzie Sartin (INS)          4   6   8

[Baggieland]

[Srednjaci]

ANTILLIA MASTERS

BOMBASTIC! NO ONE EXPECTED THIS!

Leonid Farkas and Goran Ibrahimovic announced their engagement !!

Studio 1 - Chanel 1 - WORLAD ARENA SPORT

IVAN JURLINA : This morning, photos of Leonod Farkas from the island of Santa Maria in the Costa de Ouro, where the Antilia Masters are being holding, appeared on the social network "ThiM" (This is Me).
Below the picture he wrote "I said YES"! But then a picture of two hands with a ring on his hand appeared on the profile of Goran Ibrahimovic with the inscription "He said YES"!
This news resonated in the sports and tennis world.

This is the first sports male couple in Srednjaci to publicly declare their intimate relationship!
Let us remind you, Leonid Farkaš was in a relationship with the singer of the group "Models" Ana Tušanović for five years. Earlier this year, they broke off their engagement and everyone continued on their way. Goran Ibrahimović was in a relationship with swimmer Izolda Jurić for two years, after which he was with the daughter of Prime Minister Danijela Milanović, Katarina Milanović. Earlier this year, they broke off their engagement. The media speculated that the breakup was due to the third girl, and it was associated with tennis player Tena Špiričić, which she resolutely denied!


Leonid farkaš and Ana Tušanović

Leonid Farkaš and Goran Ibrahimović won their first title in the doubles at Astello International! But it is also the biggest success of tennis in Srednjaci as well! Guys have been popular before mostly because of their looks, they have captured attention and appeared on magazine covers but also on calendars. The famous fashion house "Imperio Style" named Leonid Farkaš the [b]Fashion Sport Men of The Year! And the striking Goran Ibrahimović appeared in the crime series "OUTEL" in the role of a villain who killed two associates. The scene in which Ibrahimović appears without a T-shirt and only in shorts provided him with eternal fame among women.[/b]


Goran Ibrahimović from one series scene "OUTEL"

Despite all this popularity, how is it possible that guys have been hiding their romantic relationship for so long?
Tena Špiričić is in a direct video call with us from Antillia.
Tena welcome!

TENA: Thank you!

REPORTER: We just mentioned that it was you who was brought into romantics with Goran Ibrahimović.

TENA: Yes, the tabloids insisted on something non-existent that put a lot of pressure on me. I have never been in a romantic relationship with any of our tennis players. Everybody knows that I am in a relationship with footballer Takanobu Tavano.

REPORTER: Did you know about this relationship ?

TENA: We all know each other, hang out in tournaments and help and respect each other. But we don’t get into each other’s intimacy or is it up to us to question her. If someone says something, they will say it themselves.

REPORTER: Were you surprised by this information?

TENA: I don't know what it means if it surprised me but I have been thrilled. I wish the guys from the bottom of my heart a lot of love and happiness in their relationship and life.

REPORTER: How did fellow tennis players react?

TENA: I haven't talked to anyone yet, they had qualifying matches. I only managed to call the protagonists and congratulate them from the bottom of my heart.

REPORTER: Tena, you start from the first round. What do you expect from the match?

TENA: I play against Abelie Fontana. It will be a difficult exam for me. But if I play my game and my rhythm then I believe in success.

REPORTER: Thank you Tena for the interview.

We continue and the results of our representatives in the qualifications have been overshadowed by the events of our tennis players Leonid Farkaš and Goran Ibrahimović!
For all those who got involved later, our most successful tennis couple announced their engagement to everyone’s surprise.
Qualifying matches were played. Our representatives started from the second round and here are the results.

Ivan Štimac (SRE)            5   6   6
Freepan Jer (UNV)            7   2   4

Štimac came to victory harder than expected. In the first set, he made a lot of mistakes in the attack. The balls did not hit their target. But then in the other two sets, when he adjusted his arm, there was no problem. He played his game and won by a reversal.The first serve was at 66% but he also won as many as 78% points on the first serve. He had 29 winners and 27 unforced errors.

Lucija Bagarić (SRE)         7   6
Arlo Vallez (HSP)            6   1

Lucija Bagarić plays hot and cold throughout the season. No way to settle down with her game. So it was same in this match as well. Trouble with the insertion of the first serve in the first set! Incredible mistakes in the desire to achieve the best possible result led the set to a tie break. There, however, she played her game and entered her rhythm of powerful play! In the second set, that game continued and intensified. Mostly strong serves came back and the percentage of interceptions jumped. She served 218kmh again and had 9 aces in the whole match, 7 of them in the second set.When she plays like that then there is no obstacle she cannot cross.

Ljubomir Ivanković (SRE)     7   3   6
Scott Durin (LIS)            5   6   1

It is unbelievable what Ljubomir Ivanković had and almost gambled. He led the set and 3: 0 in the second set. Then something happened, Ivanković stopped, lost his rhythm and Scott Durin used it and won the next 6 games! Amazing what a drop in the game, a black hole appeared! However, in the third set, Ivanković collected himself and dominantly won the set and thus the match.

The draw for ours player has not come out yet, so we don't know who their future opponents are, but we will keep you informed about it.