Tournament Dates 2016: March 6-13 

The ITF U18 Empire Cup takes place in Trnava's club in March. It's an opportunity for young players to play on their home land against international rivals. Tennis fans can see many Slovak tennis talents including members of TC EMPIRE in the main draw.

EMPIRE Cup U18 2016 in Trnava offered the final singles matches of the tournament on Sunday. Home player Adriana Senkarova lost against Bulgarian Topalova in two sets 3-6, 4-6. In boy's final Hersey from Great Britain beat Czech Vrbensky in three sets 7-5, 1-6, 6-1.

INTERVIEW WITH GERGANA TOPALOVA (GIRLS SINGLES WINNER)

INTERVIEW WITH JAKE HERSEY (BOYS SINGLES WINNER)

For Senkarova it could have been her first singles ITF junior title, but she fell short against Bulgarian Gergana Topalova. Senkarova beat her opponent last year in Cyprus in two sets 6-4, 7-5, but this time it was Topalova enjoying the triumph. "I played very well, but it was difficult match. You never know how it will turn out until the last fifteen is played. I remember losing against her last year in Cyprus.  I know she is a great player. I congratulate her for advancing into the final. I am happy for the title,” said Topalova for www.tcempire.sk.

It is her first singles tournament title. "I have two doubles titles, but this is my first singles win. I am first time in Slovakia and I think it’s really nice here. Great food in the club, great people and good referees. I am happy to come back here for women’s tournaments,“ said Topalova, player based in Sofia. Her this year’s goal is to qualify for junior US Open. For winning in Trnava she receives 40 points into the ITF ranking.

Hersey from Birmingham best amongst boys

Also 15 years old British player Jake Hersey won his first singles junior ITF title in Trnava. He beat Czech Vrbensky 7:5, 1:6, 6:1. "First set was very close. In second, opponent started playing better, I did not have my serve with me. He made most of it. I improved my performance in the third set again, started to serve well again and it helped me. I feel great at the moment, much better than at the beginning of the year. This title motivates me and makes me feel more confident. I hope I can continue in this manner," wishes winner.

He knows TC EMPIRE very well. "I played here Tennis Europe tournaments. Club is really nice. My coach was here with me to help me so I did not hesitate about coming over," concluded Hersey, who is based in Birmingham, venue of one of the biggest grass WTA tournaments. 

The girls singles finalists Adriana Senkarova & Gergana Topalova, Photo: Lukas Grinaj

The Boys Singles Finalists, Michael Vrbensky, Jake Hersey, Photo: Lukas Grinaj

Previous Winners: