Tonga’s women’s tennis team has secured a place in the semi-finals of the inaugural Oceania Tennis Cup in Tahiti after an unbeaten start to the regional tournament, while the men’s team will contest the standings play-offs following a series of hard-fought matches.

The competition, being staged from 6 to 11 July, has brought together teams from 10 Pacific nations for the first edition of the event, hosted across the Dragon and Chonwa tennis venues in Tahiti.

According to the Tonga Tennis Association, the women’s side defeated Guam before recording a convincing 3-0 victory over the Cook Islands to finish top of Group A and book a semi-final against host nation Tahiti.

Leah Heimuli was praised for her performances, with the association describing her display against Guam as instrumental in helping Tonga secure first place in the group.

The men’s team, featuring Pacific Games gold medallist Matavao Junior Fanguna and Filipe Huni, narrowly lost to Tuvalu after a deciding doubles super tie-break before pushing Guam to three sets in both singles rubbers. Injuries meant the doubles match against Guam was not played, ending Tonga’s hopes of reaching the semi-finals.

The Tongan squad is led by captain and coach Reuel Lavaka and also includes women’s players Anaise Maka alongside Heimuli.

Tonga entered the tournament with confidence after recent success in regional competition, including Pacific Nations Cup and Pacific Games medals.

The Oceania Tennis Cup provides another opportunity for Pacific players to gain international experience ahead of future regional events, including the 2027 Pacific Games in Tahiti.