Top talent treats Top End at this year’s Darwin International Pro Tour
The son of an Australian legend, the country’s best emerging talent and some international stars are battling it out in the Darwin International Pro Tour. SEE THE PHOTOS
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The best young talent from across Australia as well as international up and comers have taken on the Darwin international tournament.
Timothy Karpinski, 22, is among those relishing his chance to go deep in Darwin particularly targeting a rise up the doubles rankings.
And while the heat in Darwin is quite different to his native Melbourne, Karpinski has not let it bother him after a month and a half of acclimatising in Jakarta.
“I knew it was going to be brutal coming on the Friday and I only had one practice on Saturday,” he said.
“But I’ve been keeping up the fluids, the hydrations, good recovery, good food which is making the results happen and without which would make this a different story.
“The level is very strong here, there’s a lot of juniors coming through the ranks alongside older players bringing that experience so it’s very competitive.
“I always like coming to Darwin, the facilities are unbelievable and it’s one of the only places on tour which starts at 3pm, so I would recommend coming up to any up and coming player.”
The all-court player who loves coming to the net has noticed a lift in his own performance since coming to Darwin for the same tournament in 2022.
“It’s been about building the confidence in my match play and getting the chance to play against higher ranked players,” he said.
“For me the end goal is just to be satisfied with my tennis career, you have to enjoy it, but would definitely love to be top 1000 in doubles by years end, and keep trying my hardest in singles.”
Karpinski wasn’t alone in praising the tournament with 14-year-old Victorian Cooper Kose enjoying playing his first futures event.
“It’s been a great experience playing my first futures event, playing qualifiers, I lost but it’s been a good experience so far,” Kose said.
“The competition here has been very strong and it’s been hot, but I guess I can still work to the level and see where I can take my game to next.
“Darwin has been great, it’s been really nice. After this I might play a few more Futures events such as Cairns or Gold Coast or maybe even go overseas.”
And they weren’t alone with Geni Unoue among the Japanese contingent to make their trip to the Top End for the tournament in which he qualified for the main draw.
“It’s been great here, the people are nice and the organisation has been pretty good,” he said.
“I’ve been to many competitions, but this is one of the best tournaments I’ve been to. It’s really competitive.”
ALL THE PHOTOS
DARWIN TOUR DAY 2
Darwin is being treated to some thrilling tennis this week as pro players from around Australia and the world compete in the 2023 Darwin International Pro Tour event.
“We’ve got some high quality mens tennis from now until Sunday, 24 September with back to back events, and a total of $50k in prizemoney,” NT Tennis CEO Tania Tandora said.
“Entry to the events are free and play starts at 3pm daily, and ends when the final match is won.
“Players have travelled here from all over Australia, Japan, USA, and New Zealand.
“A player to watch is Cruz Hewitt who has returned to Darwin where he won the NT Junior International in June.”
Darwin International Pro Tour: 10 – 17 Sept (finals are Sunday 17th Sept).
NT International Pro Tour: 17 – 24 Sept (finals are Sunday 24th Sept).
PHOTOS FROM DAY 2
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