In what would be a day of firsts, The Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) crowned 2 first time champions at its 2022 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals: Denali Nottage (Men) and Elana Mackey (Women).
Denali Nottage was victorious over Kevin Major Jr. at the Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association (BLTA) Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals. Denali who is only 18 and a native of Freeport was excited to participate in this year’s Nationals. He was confident that he had what it takes to win it all and he did! On his path to victory, Denali would face 2 former national champions. Denali came off a superb semifinal round where he displayed his tennis agility and acumen. He fought hard against former Davis Cupper Rodney Carey Jr. The match was a three-set match that went to the wire. Denali came out on top 7-6(5), 5-7, 7-5. Today Denali won after Major retired after the first game. Denali has played very strong all tournament long never backing down from the challenge. The win today has solidified Denali’s place in tennis history as the BLTA’S 2022/3 Men’s Open National Champion.
We witnessed a standout performance by 20-year-old Elana Mackey, she didn’t drop a set during the entire tournament. Elana was successful in attaining the coveted tennis title of Women’s National Champion. This is Elana’s first title with a spectacular win over last year’s Champ Sydney Clarke 6-3, 7-5. Elana was also in last year’s finals but this time she was able to come out with a better outcome, as champion. From the onset Elana was focused, she had a calm disposition that was undergirded with an unassailable drive to win the ultimate prize. She was very successful in her pursuits, clinching the Championship.
There were other matches on the final day of the competition. Rodney Carey finished 3rd with a win over Marvin Rolle on a walkover. Rodney also won the sportsmanship trophy. Anthony Burrows Jr. also won over Savano Hanno 6-1, 6-2 and Sharano Hanna won over Cailan Bowe 6-1,6-1. The female sportsmanship award went to Caila Bowe.
On hand were BLTA President Perry Newton and Mr Saunders (Fidelity Bank and Trust Bahamas Limited rep.) to present the trophies. The final matches were umpired by Steve Taylor and Mateo Smith. The tournament director was Esther Newton. President Newton thanked RMS Insurance and Fidelity Bank for their kind support along with Penne Baldacci wife of the late Giorgio Baldacci. He also thanked all the officials, participants and supporters who made the event a grand one.
The BLTA congratulates Elana and Denali on their breakout first-time victories, raising the bar with their solid performances. Congratulations are also extended to all the participants including
runners-up Sydney Clarke and Kevin Major Jr and to the Sportsmanship awardees Caila Bowe and Rodney Carey Jr.
Continue to excel Denali and Elana. Welcome to the prestigious group of National Champions!
Original Post Date: 12/22/2022
