Apna Perera sweeps Triple Crown at National Tennis C’ship

Apna Perera has emerged as a dominant force in Sri Lankan tennis, capturing his first triple crown championship title at the recently concluded 109th National Tennis Championship held at the Sri Lanka Tennis Association (SLTA) courts. The 20-year-old, who has been unbeaten since December last year, displayed his exceptional talent by winning in three categories: Men’s Singles, Men’s Doubles, and Mixed Doubles.

During the tournament, Apna faced tough competition, playing five matches in the Men’s Open Singles. In the semifinals, he confronted former national champion Tehan Wijemanne. The final match was against Tehan’s younger brother, Methvan Wijemanne, a promising Under-18 player from Royal College. Apna’s performance in these matches highlighted, making him the Men’s Singles National Champion for the first time.

Partnering with Chathurya Nilaweera, Apna also won the Men’s Doubles title, and in a remarkable feat, he clinched the Mixed Doubles championship alongside Inuki Jayaweera. This marks a significant achievement in his young career, as he has never been crowned champion in any age group at national championships before this year.

Apna’s journey in tennis began at the age of seven at Ananda College, where he was encouraged by his parents. His coach, Anupa Maththamagoda, has played a crucial role in his development at the ACM Academy. Despite not winning national titles in the past, Apna has a history of success in other tournaments, including the Hill Club Open Championship in Nuwara Eliya, where he also secured the triple crown.

In addition to his national success, Apna represented Sri Lanka in the Davis Cup earlier this year in Cambodia. His contributions were vital in helping the team elevate from Group IV to Group III, marking a significant milestone for Sri Lankan tennis. Reflecting on his experiences, Apna said, “This year, it’s good; I played deciding matches and won for Sri Lanka.”

With his sights set on future competitions, Apna is preparing for next month’s Hard Court Championship conducted by the SLTA. He is also eyeing a spot in next year’s Davis Cup, aiming to maintain his unbeaten record, which has been intact since December.

Apna’s family support remains a cornerstone of his success. His younger brother, Lithma Perera, plays for Ananda College’s First XI team at just 16 years old. His parents, Lasantha Perera and Idra Hettiarachchi, reside in the UAE, providing unwavering encouragement from afar.

Source:Daily News