Milburn Brothers Shine at Queenstown Tennis Open Championships

The latest edition of the Queenstown Tennis Open saw an exciting display of talent, with the Milburn brothers making headlines. In a thrilling singles final held on Sunday, Noa Milburn, 16, emerged victorious by defeating Jack Hansen Ratter of Christchurch with a score of 7-5, 6-0. This win marks a significant achievement for Noa, following his older brother Dan Milburn, 17, who reached the semifinals before being eliminated by Hansen Ratter.

Noa’s victory adds to the Milburn family legacy, as he follows in the footsteps of his older brother Kai Milburn, who won the tournament in 2024. The brothers’ competitive spirit continues to shine, as Dan and Noa also secured the men’s doubles title for the second consecutive year. The duo triumphed over Hansen Ratter and Wellington-based partner Justin-Li Moroney in the final match.

In other notable matches, Ayla Giesen from Palmerston North claimed the women’s singles title by defeating Jacynta Rakete from Auckland. Giesen further showcased her skills by teaming up with Katy Brown to win the women’s doubles final against local players Joanna Joyce and Santi Umsamrong.

The Queenstown Tennis Club’s Gardens court hosted approximately 40 players, many of whom traveled from out of town to participate in the tournament. The event attracted attention partly due to the record prize purse of $5,000, sponsored by First Mortgage Trust (FMT). Both singles winners received $1,000 each, while doubles champions took home $300 each, with runners-up also receiving monetary rewards.

Club president Reece Gibson expressed satisfaction with the tournament’s outcomes, highlighting the quality of matches and favorable weather conditions. He emphasized the club’s appreciation for FMT’s support, which made this year’s prize pool possible.

The success of the Queenstown Tennis Open reflects the growing interest in the sport within the region, as well as the ability of local clubs to attract competitive players and sponsors alike. As the event concludes, the Milburn brothers’ achievements will undoubtedly be a significant highlight in the history of the tournament.