If the results of the 2nd Jumeirah Beach Hotel Tennis Open are anything to go by, the younger generation of players have a fair bit of catching up to do. The women's doubles and the men's singles titles were won by players whose days of acquiring ranking points are well behind them. And it was for the very purpose of providing the region's young players the incentive to develop their game further that the UAE Tennis Association started the National Tennis Ranking Circuit in the first place.
So, is it a worrying sign for the game across the region if 29-year-old Sebastian Swierk who mostly dedicates himself to coaching and two mothers who play tennis more as a recreational activity walk away with the top honours? Swierk doesn't seem to think so.
Shortly after his 6-4, 6-2 win over young Pakistani Asim Shafik in the men's final, the Australian firmly defended the tournament's purpose saying: "I think it's good. If things were too easy for them, they would not have anything to work for. If we can still take them, they know they can't afford to relax."
Slah Bramly, Technical Director of Tennis Emirates, could not agree more. "It's a matter of improving the level of tennis. It is important for someone like Swierk to play Hamad Abbas [UAE player] because it's good experience for Hamad Abbas," argued Bramly. He added: "It is good for the coaches too because it keeps him in touch with the level of the game in the country."
Bramly has often issued a rallying cry for more tournaments to vindicate the original purpose of the Ranking Circuit.
"In 16 years, we are still to see a local player reach the second round of the Dubai Tennis Championships. I think it is time to think seriously about the competitive level. We can't remain spectators forever," he said.
Lebanese desire: Grace craves some more competition
She is among a rare breed of bright young women's tennis players in the region and her talent does match her ambition. But the lack of regional competition does worry 14-year-old Lebanese Grace Tahli.
The absence of a women's singles event at the 2nd Jumeirah Beach Hotel Open meant Tahli had to settle for the doubles field to exhibit her skills on a competitive stage. Along with partner Beauty McLeod, the duo stormed to the final where they lost to defending champions Katarina Rutherford and Janice Tilbrook. And Tahli said later: "There are a lot of competitions here but there are not too many quality opponents. You enter a tournament and reach the semi-final and final without actually doing anything.
"For the boys, you see good matches all the time but it's not the case with the girls. It just needs more players who are dedicated to the sport," she added.
Despite the obstacles which also include keeping up with school work, Tahli declared: "I want to be a WTA professional. I have a lot to improve but I can."
