The competition was fierce and the players tried their best as they played in the 2023 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals. Two players emerged at the top: Female Champion Simone Pratt and Male Champion Baker Newman. The last time Simone Pratt hoisted the trophy was in 2012 when she won over Kerrie Cartwright. Now over 10 years later she is still playing championship tennis. In the 2023 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals Simone won over Sydney Clarke in a three-set thriller coming from 1 set down she would come back to win the next two sets. The two 2023 BJK members played some great points as the spectators at the National Tennis Centre were treated to some high-level tennis.
The level of competition was also stellar on the Men’s side where Baker Newman would win over Rodney Carey. The last time Baker won this title was in 2016 over brother Spencer Newman. Today Baker came back from a 2-6 first-set loss to win the next two sets in convincing fashion over Rodney.
The onlookers were treated to some great matches as Takaii Adderley would also take the 2022 Champ Elana Mackey to a three-setter. Elana would come out on top. Michael Major would win in a walkover from the 2022 Champ Denali Nottage.
The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association thanks Custom Computers for their sponsorship and to Esther Newton and Steve Taylor for officiating.The finalists today Simone and Sydney are eligible to serve on the Bahamas BJK and Baker and Rodney are eligible to serve on the Bahamas Davis Cup team next year.
Vice President Chilean Burrows was on hand to present the trophies. Congratulations to our newest champions Simone Pratt and Baker Newman. They both fought to come from behind with a 1 set deficit, showing their grit, talent and determination. We also congratulate the runners-up Sydney and Rodney who played very well and all the players who participated and showed their skills.
This year there was an extremely talented pool of over 30 participants, 10 of whom served on the Billie Jean and Davis Cup previously. The four finalists all served on these prestigious teams before. The 2023 Giorgio Baldacci is now in the history books with two new champions crowned. Continue to shine Simone and Baker!
Original Post Date: 12/21/2023
