Gavin Manders hailed the first MTM Singles Championships at Fairmont Southampton last weekend as a “huge success for Bermuda tennis”.

Manders, the founder of tournament hosts Manders Tennis Management, won the Open Singles, which added the option for women to play against men, by beating Jovan Whitter 7-6, 6-2 in the final.

“We are here to help grow the game of tennis locally, and believe this new option for women will breathe life into the women’s game locally,” Manders said. “The women need the opportunity to play more matches, and more competitive matches. We believe this will motivate them to get out and play more.”

The championships were a big draw and ran from last Tuesday until Saturday, and the conciseness of the tournament was a big advantage, according to Manders.

“Having a shorter tournament doesn’t take as much time commitment, which I believe will get more people out to play,” he said.

“We all have busy schedules, so if we can have shorter events, where you play more matches in a shorter period of time, and don’t have to commit to a week or two weekends worth of tournament. This style of tournament is a win-win for everyone.”

Manders thinks MTM has a formula to have the biggest and best tournaments locally.

“We are all about Bermuda tennis, and our main focus is to grow the game and raise the level of Bermuda tennis,” he said. “There are not many of the top clubs whose main focus is local tennis any more, but MTM will work with all the clubs that are still invested in the game locally to reach our goals.

“It’s a big event for me, as it’s the first time that I directed a tournament, planned the barbecues, and played. It was quite a load to take on this week, but it was worth it, as not only did I win it to lock in my number one spot locally, and continue my undefeated streak in local tournaments for the year, but more importantly, it was a huge success for Bermuda tennis.”

Daniel Phillips, 13, coached by Sam Maybury, who also trains with the MTM team, won the Men’s B event, continuing on his winning path after a successful tour in the Caribbean.

Manders solidified his stronghold at the top of the local game with the win, and continues to dedicate his year to his late mother, Disa Oubella.

“Everything I do, is with her in mind, and she is the drive behind me right now,” he said. “I would have loved for her to see me direct a tournament, and win it. I know she’s up there smiling down at me”.

MTM will be hosting The Disa and GG Tennis Fun Day on September 2 at Fairmont Southampton. The event is in memory of Disa Oubella and George Jordan, Whitter’s father, who both died in January.

The event is for all ages and levels, and is a tennis fun day to bring Bermuda tennis together.