Oliver Statham, Helena Guan: Former NZ pro, high school talent defeat Gold Coast locals in Rosebowl Championship finals

Local Grand Slam hopeful Cade Birrell and high school talent Ashley Gilby competed for the 2022 Rosebowl Championship titles at Queens Park on Sunday. Here’s how they went.

Former New Zealand tennis pro Mikal ‘Oliver’ Statham has claimed the 2022 Rosebowl Championships after defeating local talent Cade Birrell at Queens Park on Sunday.

After knocking out tournament favourite Joshua Ryan in the semis, Statham made a strong comeback after losing the first set, winning 4-6, 6-2, 10-4 in windy conditions.

Despite the loss, Birrell said the tournament changed nothing in his mission to make future Grand Slam appearances.

“It’s a very prestigious tournament for the Gold Coast but win or lose, I don’t think it will change my life,” Birrell said.

“I really wanted to win because it’s my home tournament and club but in terms of the big picture … it’s just on to the next.

“I tried to come out swinging a bit more which led to me making more mistakes. I tried to play a bit more aggressive in the second and in the super tie breaker I gave him a little confidence.”

Oliver Statham took out the men's final in an intense tie breaker. Picture: Richard Gosling.

Gold Coast hope and aspiring pro Cade Birrell playing at the Queens Park tennis club courts against Oliver Statham who took out the event. Picture: Richard Gosling.

Winner Statham, who retired from professional tennis in 2010, said he was surprised at the win after only finishing a medicine exam at 3am the morning of.

“I don’t play anymore, so I can’t put too much expectation on myself,” Statham said.

“I just say ‘it is what it is’. “I’m half German so I like to be perfect but it’s an imperfect sport so you just have to say ‘listen, it’s okay to not play your best tennis, just keep fighting and stay in the moment.’

Statham said he recently made the decision to make his move to the Gold Coast after falling in love with the weather and the people.

“I just love the people, I had two people offer me coffees just the other day.

“I just follow the sun.”

Frustrations ran high for Cade Birrell as he fought hard against Oliver Statham in the men's final. Picture: Richard Gosling.

In the women’s final, 15-year-old Brisbane State High student Helena Guan stole a narrow win over Gold Coast young gun Ashley Gilby in a 10-8 tie breaker set.

Guan said while it was one of the first times she had played in front of a crowd, she was able to settle her nerves to get the edge over Gilby.

“At the start of the tournament I was still trying to get into the groove of things and probably not playing my best,” Guan said.

“But in the finals, the atmosphere is really different with all the umpires, ball kids and the audience.

“We’re not really used to that. It was just a different experience and we were both a bit nervous at the start.

“She has a different game style because she’s a lefty so she’s difficult to play against.”

Rosebowl women's singles final at the Queens Park tennis club courts against. Ashley Gilby (in white) vs. Helena Guan. 21 August 2022 Southport Picture by Richard Gosling

The 16-year-old Miami High student Gilby agreed the formality of the event played on her mind.

“I felt like the pressure got to me in the final,” she said.

“I played pretty well and tried to do what I wanted to, but I didn’t like the unforced errors.”

Gilby said she is aiming to compete at the Australian Pro Tour in Cairns and Darwin later in the year.

Rosebowl women's singles final at the Queens Park tennis club courts against. Ashley Gilby (in white) vs. Helena Guan. 21 August 2022 Southport Picture by Richard Gosling