Outstanding Week for Asciak Tennis Academy at the Malta Junior Open 2026
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Asciak Tennis Academy players enjoyed an outstanding week at the National Tennis Centre in Pembroke, producing a series of excellent performances across the Dimech Enterprises Malta Junior Open 2026 and the accompanying Mini Red Ball and Orange Ball tournaments.
From some of the Academy’s youngest players taking important early competitive steps, to title-winning performances at U10, U14 and U16 level, it was a week that highlighted both the quality and depth of Asciak Tennis Academy’s junior development programme.
Andy Gingell Littlejohn completes an exceptional double
The standout achievement of the Malta Junior Open came from Andy Gingell Littlejohn, who was crowned champion in both the Boys U14 and Boys U16 events.
Top seed in both age groups, Andy delivered consistently throughout the tournament and reached both championship matches against Luke Fiorini Lowell.
Photo: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
In the U14 final, Andy secured the title in straight sets, winning 6-2, 6-3. He then produced an even more impressive performance in the U16 final, recovering after losing the opening set to turn the match around and win 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Winning two age categories at the same Malta Junior Open is a major achievement and a strong reflection of Andy’s consistency, resilience and ability to perform under pressure.
Photo: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
An all-Asciak Tennis Academy U10 final
The Boys U10 competition produced another memorable moment for the Academy, with two Asciak Academy players contesting the final.
Christian Farrugia was crowned champion after defeating fellow Academy player Edward (Ed) Spiteri Paris 6-4, 6-4.
Having two Asciak Academy players competing for the same Malta Junior Open title was an achievement in itself and reflected the progress both players have made.
Christian and Edward also challenged themselves by stepping up into the Boys U12 competition, gaining further valuable experience against older opposition. Christian entered the U12 event as the No. 6 seed, with Edward seeded fourth.
Photos: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
George Spiteri Willets reaches the Boys U12 final
There was further success for the Academy in the Boys U12 event, where George Spiteri Willets put together an excellent tournament run.
George entered the competition as the No. 1 seed and progressed all the way to the championship match before finishing runner-up to Luke Kuijt.
Reaching the final of a competitive U12 draw was another strong result for the Academy and an important step in George’s continued development.
Photo: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
Maxine Soler runner-up in the Girls U14
Maxine Soler also enjoyed an impressive week, reaching the final of the Girls U14 Malta Junior Open.
Seeded second, Maxine progressed through the draw to set up a final against top seed Chloe Kuijt, eventually finishing runner-up after a strong tournament.
Her performance added further depth to an already impressive set of results for Asciak Tennis Academy across the Junior Open age groups.
Photo: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
Julia Perera Vega crowned Girls U16 champion
Julia Perera Vega added another major title for the Academy by winning the Girls U16 Malta Junior Open.
Entering the event as the top seed, Julia progressed through the competition to meet Chloe Kuijt in the final and produced a composed performance to win 6-4, 6-4.
The result completed an excellent tournament for Julia and added another U16 title to a particularly successful week for the Academy.
Photo: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
Alexandra Zarb Cousin leads an impressive Orange Ball showing
One of the most encouraging performances of the week came from Alexandra Zarb Cousin, who was crowned U9 Orange Ball champion.
Still only seven years old, Alexandra produced an excellent tournament to reach the final, where she faced fellow Asciak player Elizabeth Portanier.
Alexandra went on to take the title, completing an impressive one-two finish for the Academy, with Elizabeth finishing runner-up.
For players at this age, tournaments are about much more than results alone. They are an important part of learning how to compete, manage matches, build confidence and enjoy the challenge of playing under tournament conditions.
For Alexandra to come through the event and take the title at just seven years old was therefore a particularly encouraging achievement and a very positive sign for her continued development.
The fact that both finalists came from Asciak Tennis Academy made the result even more special.
Photos: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
There was further Orange Ball success through Liam Sammut, who also reached a U9 final, eventually finishing runner-up to Edward Sigona.
Photo: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
Red Ball success for Emilia Decesare and Ninia Farrugia
The Academy’s youngest competitors also enjoyed a memorable tournament in the U6 Mini Red Ball event.
Six-year-olds Emilia Decesare and Ninia Farrugia both made their way to the final, ensuring another Asciak one-two finish.
Emilia was ultimately crowned champion, with Ninia finishing runner-up after an excellent tournament from both players.
With boys and girls competing together in the event, reaching the final represented a particularly strong performance from the two young Academy players and provided valuable competitive experience at the very beginning of their tennis journeys.
Photos: Gavin Borg - Ovia.mt
Success across every stage of the Asciak Tennis Academy pathway
What made the week particularly satisfying was not simply the number of trophies and finals reached, but the spread of results across such a wide range of ages.
From Emilia and Ninia competing at U6 Red Ball level, to Alexandra and Elizabeth producing an all-Asciak Tennis Academy Orange Ball final, through to the Academy’s older juniors competing successfully for Malta Junior Open titles at U14 and U16 level, the results reflected a clear progression through the different stages of junior tennis.
Across the week, Asciak Tennis Academy celebrated:
Andy Gingell Littlejohn - Boys U14 Champion
Andy Gingell Littlejohn - Boys U16 Champion
Christian Farrugia - Boys U10 Champion
Edward Spiteri Paris - Boys U10 Runner-up
George Spiteri Willets - Boys U12 Runner-up
Maxine Soler - Girls U14 Runner-up
Julia Perera Vega - Girls U16 Champion
Emilia Decesare - U6 Mini Red Ball Champion
Ninia Farrugia - U6 Mini Red Ball Runner-up
Alexandra Zarb Cousin - U9 Orange Ball Champion
Elizabeth Portanier - U9 Orange Ball Runner-up
Liam Sammut - U9 Orange Ball Runner-up
It was a highly successful week for Asciak Tennis Academy, but just as importantly, one that showed the progress being made across the full spectrum of the Academy’s junior programme.
From first tournament experiences to Malta Junior Open titles, the performances were a strong reflection of the commitment and hard work being shown by the players throughout the year.
A special thank you also goes to the Asciak Tennis Academy coaching team, whose dedication, guidance and work with the players both on and off the court continues to play an important role in their development. These results are also a reflection of the time and commitment invested by the coaches throughout the season, together with the invaluable support of the players’ families.
Asciak Tennis Academy would also like to thank the Malta Tennis & Padel Federation for organising the tournaments, together with the tournament officials, referee and everyone involved behind the scenes in making the events possible.
Finally, congratulations to all the players who took part. Competitive junior tennis is about much more than trophies and results, and every match provides another opportunity to learn, develop and gain valuable experience on court.
Well done to all our Asciak Tennis Academy players, coaches and families on a fantastic week of tennis.
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