The Tribune

Sydney Clarke is your Bahamas Lawn Tennis Association’s 2021 Giorgio Baldacci Open Nationals women’s champion.

Clarke emerged with a 6-2, 6-0 win over Elana Mackey yesterday at the National Tennis Centre in the tournament finale of the draw.

In a matchup between the top two seeds, Clarke, the UAB Blazers sophomore, bested Mackey, a junior at Mars Hill University.

By virtue of securing their berths into the final, Clarke and Mackey will be back on the Billie Jean King Cup team, formerly the Fed Cup.

After a bye in the first round, Clarke defeated Sierra Donaldson 6-0, 6-1.

Meanwhile, Mackey defeated Sapphire Ferguson 6-3, 6-3.

On the men’s side of the draw, today’s finals matchup is set as Marvin Rolle is slated to face Spencer Newman at noon.

Both players have qualified for the 2022 Davis Cup team. No.2 Rolle defeated Hampton University sophomore, No.4 Donte Armbrister 7-5, 2-6, 6-2.

In a matchup between the Newman brothers, No.3 Spencer Newman advanced after No.1 Baker Newman retired in the third set 6-1, 7-6 (5), 2-5.

All four semifinalists have played in the national championships and have previously represented The Bahamas on The Davis Cup team.

Baker’s path to the finals included a bye and a 6-3, 6-1 win over Rodney Carey Jr. Spencer defeated Nathan Thompson in the opening round (6-0, 3-0, Retired), and Michael Major Jr in the quarterfinals 6-0, 6-1.

Rolle defeated Savano Hanna in the opening round 6-0, 6-0 and Sharano Hanna 6-0, 6-0. Prior to the final, Jeffrey Thompson and Savano Hanna will open competition with the 11-12 position match at 10am.