Daily Court Report
by Walt Reese
Championship Sunday at the Cary Tennis Classic didn’t bring sunshine, but it brought two well-earned titles and a big display of teamwork behind the scenes. With Tropical Storm conditions rolling through Cary, both finals were moved indoors, thanks to the quick work and adaptability of the tournament staff and volunteers. Bleachers were hauled in, and an indoor championship court came to life, creating a focused, energetic setting that still felt big, even without the sunshine.
In the men’s final, 19-year-old Rei Sakamoto closed out a breakthrough week with his sharpest performance yet, defeating No. 2 seed Liam Draxl 6-1, 6-4. The 2024 Australian Open Boys’ Singles Champion came out swinging and never let up, showcasing the calm shot-making and court presence that’s made him one of the most exciting young names in the game. Draxl, a University of Kentucky alum and crowd favorite all week, had his chances but couldn’t disrupt Sakamoto’s rhythm.
On the women’s side, Darja Vidmanová put an exclamation mark on her run with a 6-3, 6-1 win over 18-year-old qualifier Monika Ekstrand. Representing the Czech Republic, Vidmanová blended power and poise from the first game to the last. A former University of Georgia standout who made NCAA history this spring with a team, singles, and doubles title, she carried that momentum all the way to the Cary trophy. Ekstrand, committed to Stanford University, won five matches to reach the final—an incredible showing from the American teenager that turned heads all week.
Despite the stormy weather, fans packed into the indoor facility to watch the action unfold, giving Sunday’s championship matches an intimate and energetic feel. With two worthy champions crowned, the 2025 Cary Tennis Classic came to a close on a high note—indoors and unforgettable. We hope to see everyone back next year! For schedules, draws, and ticket info, visit https://carytennisclassic.com/.
