As President of Tennis Ireland, I had the privilege of travelling to Antalya, Turkey, to support our Masters teams competing in the ITF World Team Championships for the 30-45 age groups. This event brought together some of Ireland’s finest masters players, all eager to represent their country with pride and determination.
Accompanying our athletes were a dedicated group of supporters—wives, husbands, partners, children, and parents—who made the journey to cheer on their loved ones. Their presence added a wonderful sense of camaraderie and encouragement throughout the week, reinforcing the strong bonds within our tennis community.
Antalya provided the perfect setting for this prestigious tournament. The week was blessed with glorious blue skies and warm temperatures, creating ideal conditions for competitive tennis. With top-class facilities and a world-class venue, our players had an incredible opportunity to showcase their skills on an international stage.
The matches were fiercely contested, with many encounters going the full distance to three sets. The level of intensity and commitment displayed by every player was inspiring. Each point was fought for with unwavering determination, and it was evident that our teams were there to give their absolute best. The physical and mental demands of the competition were immense, but our Irish players rose to the challenge, demonstrating both resilience and exceptional sportsmanship.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the week was witnessing the unwavering support the players gave each other. Whether on court or from the sidelines, the encouragement and team spirit were truly commendable. Tennis can sometimes be seen as an individual sport, but at this event, the team dynamic was at the forefront. Players celebrated each other’s victories and provided motivation during tough moments, embodying the true essence of teamwork.
Beyond the intense battles on court, the tournament was also an opportunity to build friendships and connections with players from across the world. The international atmosphere added to the experience, as players exchanged gear, stories, strategies, and a mutual respect for the game.
It was an absolute joy to watch our teams compete with such passion and dedication. Each player represented Ireland with immense pride, and their performances were a testament to the hard work and commitment they have put into their game.
As we reflect on the week in Antalya, there is much to celebrate and be proud of. Our Masters players have once again proven that Irish tennis is thriving at all levels. Their performances serve as an inspiration to younger players, showing that age is no barrier to competing at the highest level.
I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the players who took part. Your efforts and achievements do not go unnoticed, and you continue to make Tennis Ireland proud. A special thanks also goes to the families and supporters who travelled to Turkey, adding to the spirit of the event and ensuring that our players felt the full backing of the Irish tennis community. Lastly, thank you to the staff of Tennis Ireland, the clubs, schools and organisations who supported the players through time off work and in some cases giving financial support to enable them to represent their country.
We look forward to many more international successes in the future. Well done to all involved!
Letty Lucas
PS – Check out the Tennis Ireland socials where Karl Donaldson acted as the Turkish Correspondent for the week!
