Despite their youth, Mariya Gedz, 12, and Samantha Gnilo, 13, showed skills beyond their years in their Saturday afternoon matchup at the 2023 Manitoba Clay Court Championships.
While both displayed flashes of brilliance on the outdoor clay courts at Taylor Tennis Centre, Gedz got the best of Gnilo, beating her opponent in two sets 6-2, 6-2.
The tournament separates players into divisions based on their skill levels according to the “Play Tennis” Self-Rating Guide. The guide rates players on a scale of 1.0 to 7.0, a 1.0 rating would be a player just learning the sport and a 7.0 rating would be a world class player. Each rating has a description for what a player’s skill set is like at each rating and players sign up for the division that matches their current skill set.
Samantha Gnilo serves to Mariya Gedz Saturday during the Mani- toba Clay Court Champioships at Taylor Tennis Centre.
Gedz and Gnilo are in the 4.5 women’s singles division at the championships, the highest ranked female division in the tournament. Both players were undefeated in their first two matches of round robin play going into the head-to-head matchup. Gedz and Gnilo face off regularly in different tournaments through the year and are familiar with one another’s game.
Gnilo said the contests between her and Gedz are always challenging.
“It’s a battle playing with her. Sometimes people say when we both go on the court you don’t really know who’s gonna win,” said Gnilo.
Her adversary agreed and knew she had to bring her A-game to come away with a victory.
“We play a lot, almost every tournament, I know how she plays, I needed to play consistent,” said Gedz.
This event offers a unique opportunity for the players as it is the only tournament in the city that is played on a clay surface. The change in terrain had an impact for both players.
“I’m not really used to the clay,” said Gnilo. “The ball bounces faster and it’s an uneven surface and you slide more.”
Gedz also found herself sliding on the court, but enjoys the alternative surface.
“I like it, it’s easier to make some good gets, but sometimes it’s a little bit slippery.”
Marina Gedz smacks a return.
Gnilo got her start in the sport through watching her older brothers play. In fact, Samantha’s brothers Magnus and Caleb were playing a doubles match against each other on the next court over. Playing alongside her brothers is always a happy sight for Samantha.
“I love playing beside them,” she said.
Gedz started her tennis journey at the age of four learning from her aunt, who is still her coach. When asked about what she enjoys about the sport, Gedz answered, “Everything,” with a smile.
The Clay Court Championships wrap up today at the Taylor Tennis Centre outdoor courts.
donald.stewart@freepress.mb.ca
