Destanee Aiava, Ajeet Rai, claim Cairns Tennis International crowns

It’s taken a fair bit of convincing for Destanee Aiava to accept she won the Cairns Tennis International title after injury struck the two biggest matches of the tournament.

Destanee Aiava was on Sunday afternoon trying to convince herself that she deserved to be the Cairns International #1 champion after injury forced Lizette Cabrera out of the women’s singles final.

The top seeds won their way through to Sunday morning’s final of the first of two consecutive Australian Pro Tour events at the Cairns International Tennis Centre.

But the injury to Cabrera, the Townsville product who had only just returned to action from another injury and counts the Cairns event among her favourites, meant Aiava was crowned the champion without a ball being hit.

It left the 23-year-old with a “weird” feeling after winning the final in a walkover - a first for her career.

Destanee Aiava in action at the Cairns Tennis International. Picture: Tennis Queensland

“I found out before my warm-up on Sunday morning but I didn’t believe it, so I just kept warming up and doing everything the same, until I got the news from the referee,” Aiava said.

“I spoke to Lizette, wished her well, but I feel weird about it. It’s an odd feeling.

“I don’t know if I’m sad or … I don’t know how to explain it.

“At first, I feel like I didn’t earn it, but my friends and family so I do deserve it. I had all my matches as well so I got there on my own merit, but I don’t know, it’s odd.”

Aiava enjoyed a good week of tennis in Cairns, forced to fight from a set down in a tough semi final with Gabriella Da Silva Fick to qualify for the final.

“I’m pretty happy with how I’ve been playing, I’ve been playing so many matches these past few months,” Aiava said.

“I’m pretty match fit, and I feel like I’m a player who gets better the longer I play and the more matches I have under my belt.

“I’m using all of these tournaments to get ready for the Aussie summer.

“I think I’m doing pretty well regardless of the (final).”

Lizette Cabrera and Destanee Aiava. Picture: Tennis Queensland

Cabrera had a tougher run having played through three matches which needed three sets for a result, including a 4-6 6-3 6-2 win against Maddison Inglis in the semi final, but the ways she fought back in each to win set up what could have been a superb final.

Aiava, who had nothing but respect for the Townsville product, will eye a repeat success in Cairns in the second tournament this week as she eyes a spot in qualifying at the 2024 Australian Open.

Cabrera is not in the draw for the Cairns International #2 with Aiava installed as the top seed, ahead of fellow Australians Inglis, Talia Gibson and Ivana Popovic.

These tournaments are integral in helping to shape the future of Australian tennis.

Lizette Cabrera competes in the Cairns Tennis International. Picture: Brendan Radke

In an interview before the tournament, Australian Pro Tour manager Fiona Luscombe said it was critical for these players to face off.

“It’s so critical for these girls that they are competing against each other, particularly in the women’s field,” Luscombe said.

“We see this tight cohort of women who are really pushing each other, they are around a similar ranking band and they’re really urging each other on.

“For the Billie jean King Cup finals coming up and vying for the spot in that team, these tournaments on the pro tour where they are competing against each other and bringing out the best in each other to fight for those spots is healthy and encouraging.”

Rai’s biggest win ‘bittersweet’

A triumph in the Cairns International #1 tournament is the biggest win of Ajeet Rai’s ­career but the New Zealander was more concerned about the injury to finals rival and “brother” Jeremy Beale than celebrating his success.

Beale succumbed to an adductor injury early in the final that forced him to withdraw and handed the tournament win to Rai.

Ajeet Rai, the Cairns Tennis International #1 men’s singles winner. Picture: Tennis Queensland

“Jeremy is like a big brother to me,” Rai said.

“The last four years, he’s become an extension to our family. He’s been with us all over, spent Christmas with us and my family, my parents are fond of him.

“It’s a bittersweet feeling. You never want to see another player go down, let alone someone you are very close to.

“I know the work he puts into his body and the heartache he’s gone through in coming back from injury. It’s definitely bittersweet.

“This week, in the quarter-final I saved five match points in a match I shouldn’t have won and I guess that’s the positive I’m trying to take out of it right now.”

Rai said it was great to win a title but it was a tough way to do so.

“It’s great winning a title – it’s the biggest one of my career – but I’m a bit gutted for Jeremy,” he said.

“Such a nice guy as well. He’s been there for me in my tough times in my career and he’s also been there at my side when I’ve had some of my biggest wins.

“It’s just hoping he has a speedy recovery.”

Rai, the New Zealand No.2, is the fourth seed for the No.2 tournament, while Australian Omar Jasika is the top seed.

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Originally published as Destanee Aiava, Ajeet Rai, claim Cairns Tennis International crowns