Beata Maresova (CZE) and Rafael Papoian have claimed the third Super Category title of the year, lifting the trophies in Maia. It is a first for both players, who now join a list of former champions including Carlos Alcaraz, Lorenzo Musetti and Qinwen Zheng.
Having been awarded Tournament of the Year in 2024, the event in Maia once again proved to be a great experience for all players. Alongside the intense on-court action, participants also enjoyed time off court, whether filming TikToks or playing cards and board games. Tennis Europe Vice-President Sandi Procter was also present during the second half of the week, engaging with players, coaches and parents, and also taking part in the Closing Ceremony.
On her way to the final, Maresova had to come through several tough matches. In the quarterfinal against Alexandra Janoskova (SVK), she recovered from one set down and won in the third set tiebreak. The semifinal against Guo Ketong (CHN) was almost as close, with the Czech securing her place in the final after a 6-3 5-7 7-5 victory.
Top seed Eva Maria Bulai (ROU) had a more straightforward path to the final, confirming her status as one of the favourites.
In the final, Bulai started strongly and took a 2-0 lead, but Maresova responded well, coming back to take the first set 6-4. The second set looked to be going in the Czech’s favour as she moved ahead 5-1. Bulai stayed composed and, with nothing to lose, raised her level, winning four consecutive games to close the gap to 5-4, saving two match points along the way. At the third opportunity, Maresova finally closed out the match to claim the title.
The two had met five times before, most recently at this year’s Winter Cups, where the Romanian won in two sets. With this victory, Maresova now leads their head-to-head 4-2.
On the boys’ side, Luis Saraiva (POR) made the most of playing on home soil, with strong support from the crowd helping him along the way. He upset top seed Anastasis Mosaikos (CYP) in the quarterfinal and then came through a demanding semifinal against Richard Mitchell (SUI). The Swiss player had the upper hand in the opening set, but Saraiva responded strongly, winning six consecutive games to turn the match around. He carried that momentum into the deciding set, which he won to secure his place in the final, much to the delight of the home crowd.
Rafael Papoian, this year’s champion in Tim Essonne, also impressed on his way to the title match. He defeated fourth seed Jonas Waelti (SUI) and second seed Liam Sharkey (GBR) to reach the final.
In the final, Papoian handled the atmosphere well and took control early, winning the first set 6-1. Saraiva responded in the second, taking a 3-1 lead, but Papoian quickly levelled the score. The set remained close, with the Portuguese player leading 6-5 and pushing for a deciding set, but Papoian stayed composed in the tiebreak and closed out the match 6-1 7-6(6) to claim the title.
Doubles
Girls: Both Maresova and Bulai returned to Centre Court after their singles final, this time on opposite sides of the net. This week Maresova teamed up with Maya Micheva (BUL), however Bulai won this title alongside Lyubov Pronenko with a 7-6(5) 2-6 10-5 victory.
Boys: The Swiss pair of Richard Mitchell and Jonas Waelti secured the title after a close final against Yanru Li (CHN) and Liam Sharkey (GBR), winning 6-4 6-7(2) 10-7.
Elsewhere on the Junior Tour:
Budapest (HUN): Tim Sarkanj (SLO) and Valeriia Oleksyn (UKR) won the 16&U Category 2 Sori Cup
Belgrade (SRB): Emil Aleksiev (BUL) and Milica Capin (SRB) won the 14&U Category 2 Aqua Gala Open
Trnava (SVK): Martin Adamca (SVK) and Simona Navokova (SVK) won the 14&U Category 2 Trnava Open
Alcalá de Henares (ESP): Tomas Manzanero Hernandez (ESP) and Marina Ruiz Perez (ESP) won the 14&U Category 3 Open Tennis Europe Ciudad de Alcalá