The Czech girls and Finnish boys have claimed the titles at this year’s 18 & Under European Summer Cups. It’s a milestone win for Finland, who captured the title in their first-ever final, while Czechia secured the gold for a second consecutive year.
Soisbault Cup: Girls' Final
CZECHIA vs. SPAIN - Granville, France
This year marks a special chapter in the history of the Girls 18 & Under European team championship, as the event celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Soisbault Cup and the 30th edition hosted in the picturesque Granville.
Tennis Europe President Henrik Thorsoe Pedersen attended the event and commented, “The past few days have been a wonderful celebration of 60 years of the Soisbault Cup, and of its 30 years at this marvellous venue. I’d like to congratulate Roger Davy and his organising team for the incredible job they do each year, supported by the club members, volunteers, and the local authorities. Thanks also to the French Tennis Federation for their enduring commitment to Tennis Europe’s international junior team competitions. And it’s been a privilege to watch tennis of the highest quality; congratulations to Czechia for such an impressive performance.”
This year’s final was a rematch of last year, when Czechia emerged as champions.
Amy Sucha of Czechia delivered a strong performance in the opening match, coming back from a set down against Neus Torner Sensano. She held her nerve in a tense second-set tiebreak and sealed the win in the decisive sert: 2-6 7-6(3) 6-3.
Spain’s Charo Esquiva Banuls was next on court and determined to even the score. She dominated her match against Denisa Zoldakova, securing a 6-0 6-0 victory to keep Spain’s hopes alive.
The doubles match began in Czechia’s favor, with Amy Sucha and Denisa Zoldakova taking the first set 6-4 against Charo Esquiva Banuls and Lorena Solar Donoso. The Spanish duo, however, responded with determination, dominating the second set and winning it 6-2. In the match tiebreak, the Czech pair remained composed and focused, ultimately securing the gold medal, and successfully defending their title, with a 6-4 2-6 10-4 victory.
Czechia’s Road to the title:
Qualifying Rounds: lost to Poland 1-2, def. Italy 2-1
Final Rounds: def. Sweden 2-1, def. Serbia 2-1, def. Spain 2-1
Final Standings:
1. Czechia
2. Spain
3. Serbia
4. France
5. Sweden
6. Hungary
7. Poland
8. Portugal
Valerio/Galea Cup: Boys’ Final
FINLAND vs. FRANCE – Rome, Italy
Linus Lagerbohm gave Finland a strong start in the final, winning against Pierre-Antoine Faut 7-6 6-4 to secure the advantage. Recent Wimbledon and Roland Garros junior doubles champion Oskari Paldanius then continued the momentum, defeating Mickael Kaouk 6-4 6-3 to seal the victory, and the gold, for Finland.
It’s a historic moment for the Finnish boys’ team, who reached the 18 & Under Summer Cups final for the first time ever and made it count in the best possible way.
Finland’s Road to the title:
Qualifying Rounds: def. Croatia 3-0, def. Greece 3-0, def. Sweden 2-0
Final Rounds: def. Germany 2-1, def. Romania 2-0, def. France 2-0
Final Standings:
1. Finland
2. France
3. Turkiye
4. Romania
5. Austria
6. Slovenia
7. Germany
8. Sweden