In a remarkable display of talent and determination, Turkmenistan’s Under-14 tennis team commenced their campaign in the Asia-Oceania zone preliminary round of the ITF World Junior Tennis Championship with a commanding 3-0 victory over host nation Bahrain. The tournament, held in Isa Town, Bahrain, features 21 teams divided into six groups, with Turkmenistan competing in Group D alongside Bahrain and Syria.
Dominant Performances in Singles and Doubles
The opening singles match saw Kerimgeldi Guldurdyev showcase exceptional skill and composure, defeating Bahrain’s Nasser Salman with a decisive 6-3, 6-1 scoreline. Guldurdyev’s powerful serves and strategic play left his opponent struggling to find footing throughout the match.
Following this, Ali Geldiyev took to the court against Ali Basel Alkhayyat. Displaying remarkable agility and precision, Geldiyev conceded only two games, securing a 6-0, 6-2 victory. His aggressive baseline play and timely net approaches kept Alkhayyat on the defensive, leading to an emphatic win.
The doubles match featured the formidable duo of Guldurdyev and Suleyman Hudayberdyyev facing off against Abdullah Aldoseri and Nasser Salman. The Turkmen pair demonstrated seamless coordination and strategic prowess, overpowering their opponents with a dominant 6-0, 6-1 result. Their synergy on the court was evident, as they executed well-timed volleys and strategic lobs to clinch the match.
Team Composition and Player Achievements
The Turkmenistan squad comprises promising young talents, each bringing a unique set of skills and accomplishments to the team:
- Ali Geldiyev: An 8th-grade student at the School for Young Olympians, Geldiyev has shown remarkable promise in his young career. In the previous year, he clinched the title at the 3rd Asian Junior Tournament for players under 14 in Doha, Qatar. His performance in Colombo, Sri Lanka, during the junior Davis Cup was particularly noteworthy, where he secured five victories for Turkmenistan. This series of successes led to his acceptance into the prestigious School for Young Olympians, where he continues to hone his skills under the guidance of coach Mirali Hasanov.
- Kerimgeldi Guldurdyev: Also an 8th-grader, Guldurdyev studies at the Joint Turkmen-Russian Secondary School named after A.S. Pushkin. His prowess on the court was highlighted during the international “Ashgabat Open 2024” tournament, where he secured a doubles victory in the under-14 category. Guldurdyev’s dedication to the sport and his consistent performance make him a vital asset to the team.
- Suleyman Hudayberdyyev: An 8th-grade student at Specialized Secondary School No. 86 in Ashgabat, Hudayberdyyev has demonstrated consistent growth in his tennis career. In 2024, he earned silver medals in singles at three international tournaments held in Qatar, Ashgabat, and Saudi Arabia for the under-14 category. His resilience and adaptability on the court have been instrumental in his success.
Coaching and Preparation
The team’s impressive performance can be attributed to rigorous training and strategic preparation under the guidance of their coaching staff. The coaches have focused on enhancing the players’ technical skills, physical fitness, and mental resilience. Regular practice sessions, combined with participation in international tournaments, have provided the players with invaluable experience and exposure to diverse playing styles.
Upcoming Challenges and Tournament Structure
Following their initial triumph, Turkmenistan is set to face Syria, the third seed in Group D. This upcoming match is crucial, as the group winners will advance to the quarterfinals, competing for two coveted spots in the final qualification stage. Scheduled from April 9 to 14, 2025, in Malaysia, this stage will determine the top teams from the Asia-Oceania zone eligible for the world championship finals.
The tournament’s structure emphasizes the importance of each match, with teams required to perform consistently to advance through the stages. The players are acutely aware of the challenges ahead and are committed to maintaining their momentum. Their focus remains on executing their game plans effectively and adapting to the strategies employed by their opponents.
Parallel Success in the Girls’ Category
Notably, Turkmenistan’s under-14 girls’ team recently achieved their best-ever result in the same venue, securing fifth place among 18 teams in the ITF World Junior Tennis Competition Pre-Qualifying for the Asia-Oceania zone. The team, comprising Aylar Kakabayeva, Nazli Hudaygulyyeva, and Sakhra Garahanova, demonstrated remarkable prowess throughout the tournament.
- Aylar Kakabayeva: An 8th-grade student at Ashgabat’s School for Gifted Children named after Atamyrat Niyazov, Kakabayeva has been a standout performer. Her strategic play and on-court intelligence have been pivotal in the team’s success.
- Nazli Hudaygulyyeva: A 6th-grade student at Ashgabat Secondary School No. 87, Hudaygulyyeva’s agility and resilience have made her a formidable opponent. Her ability to adapt to different playing styles has been a significant asset to the team.
- Sakhra Garahanova: Also a 6th-grader, studying at Ashgabat Secondary School No. 90, Garahanova has shown exceptional growth and potential. Her powerful strokes and competitive
