The State League tennis season in Australia is reaching a thrilling conclusion this weekend, as teams scramble for glory in the finals. With 11 weeks of competitiveness leading to this pivotal moment, the atmosphere is electric as both the women’s and men’s finals offer exciting match-ups to watch.
In the women’s final, Hensman Park will clash with Cottesloe at Hensman Park Tennis Club this Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 12:30 pm. Hensman Park, boasting an impressive season with a 9-1 record and a total of 50 rubbers won, is looking to defend its title after winning the State League final last year. Captain Alice Stevens and other seasoned players such as Ella Nurkic and Anja Dokic have been instrumental in the team’s success, mentoring younger talents like Riana Tan and Karin Hiramatsu.
However, Cottesloe will not go down without a fight. Positioned second in the ladder with an 8-2 record, they are eager to dethrone the champions. Cottesloe’s roster saw significant enhancements this season, most notably with the return of the experienced Jessie Culley, alongside world number eight Alicia Molik, who has remained undefeated in singles matches. The depth of their team cannot be overstated, with standout performances from young players like Elena Manoj, who also ended the season without a singles defeat.
Remarkably, Cottesloe has already defeated Hensman Park on their home turf in an earlier fixture. During that match, Cottesloe’s Molik, Manoj, and Saanvi Tak triumphed over Hensman Park’s Dokic, Nurkic, and Yum, marking Hensman Park's only loss in two years. The stakes are high as Cottesloe aims to grasp the title that has eluded them. They will enter this final with renewed confidence, knowing they have bested the reigning champions before.
Meanwhile, the men’s final also poses an exciting rematch as Cottesloe takes on Peppermint Grove, also scheduled for 12:30 PM at Cottesloe Tennis Club. Coming off the previous season's final, Cottesloe (7-2 record, 40 rubbers won) edged past Peppermint Grove (7-2, 36 rubbers won) in round nine, cementing their standing at the top of the ladder. The teams’ last encounter showcased a close contest that ended with a score of 4-2 in favor of Cottesloe, while earlier face-offs resulted in a tense draw, leaving both teams eager for decisive outcomes this time.
The men’s team from Cottesloe, fortified by star players including last season’s MVP Will Hann, is determined to secure a three-peat victory. Cottesloe also welcomes back Max Weir, who had a stellar impact previously, and Ben Webster, maintaining a solid lineup that bolstered their first-place position. Their continuity and past experiences in high-pressure matches place them in a favorable position heading into this rematch.
Conversely, Peppermint Grove seeks to avenge their previous finals loss, and they have made strategic additions this season with standout Tim Gray and a mix of players contributing greatly to their results. This team has shown promise by tweaking their lineup as they look to capitalize on each player’s strengths. Peppermint Grove’s hope lies heavily on the outcomes of doubles matches, where they strive to exploit their talent pool. Cottesloe’s own doubles expert, Adam Kehane, adds another layer of difficulty for Peppermint Grove, who will need to be razor-sharp to combat Cottesloe’s strong doubles performance.
Both matches this Saturday promise exciting tennis and high-stakes gameplay. The culmination of this season not only highlights the growth of tennis in the region but also amplifies the intense rivalry amongst these well-prepared teams. Fans and family are encouraged to catch every moment as the action unfolds at their respective venues. Cottesloe is on the brink of cementing their legacy with three titles in a row, while Peppermint Grove seeks redemption. On the women's side, the sting of last year's defeat will spur Hensman Park, while Cottesloe aims to disrupt their championship repeat.
The fierce dedication from all players, particularly among the younger talents stepping up for their teams, exemplifies the strength and depth present in the league. Catch all the action on www.streamer.com.au as the future stars of tennis strive for excellence on the courts this weekend.
