Watch: National Junior Tennis Champs crowned

Ajeet Rai and Lauren are the latest New Zealand junior tennis champions after winning their respective boys and girls titles at the 18’s Nationals today. Tournament top seed Rai from Taranaki beat second seed Finn Reynolds (Hawkes Bay) 7-6(2) 6-4 in a boys final which featured contrasting styles. Rai, 17 generally stayed at the baseline and was forced to keep an even head as left-handed Reynolds, 16 varied his game and approached the net as often as possible. Perseverance from Rai paid off in an entertaining contest. The girls final had fourth seed Alter (North Harbour) overcome second seed Nina Parapovich (Waikato) 6-1 7-5, but only after a nervous time in the second set. Alter, 17 was ahead 5-2 but struggled to close out the match as Parapovich, 16 stayed in the points longer in front a large crowd indoors at Albany Tennis Park. Alter also won the doubles title by teaming up with Janvhi Clark (Waikato) to defeat Holly Stewart (Auckland) and Ivy McLean (Wellington) 6-4 6-3. The boys doubles saw Reynolds gain some consolation for his singles loss. Reynolds and Auckland’s Joshua Snowden-Poole won the doubles title 6-4 7-6(2) over Rai and Canterbury’s Dylan Heap.