The 61st edition of the Copa del Café wrapped up on January 24 at the Costa Rica Country Club in Escazú, where young tennis players from around the world competed in a week of high-level matches. This international junior tournament, a key event on the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior circuit, saw France’s Mathys Domenc and the United States’ Jordyn Hazelitt emerge as singles champions in the boys’ and girls’ divisions.
Domenc claimed the boys’ singles title with a decisive victory over Canada’s Felix Roussel. The French player dominated the final, winning 6-2, 6-0 in straight sets. His performance throughout the tournament showed strong baseline play and consistent serving, which helped him advance past tough opponents in earlier rounds.
In the girls’ singles, Hazelitt defeated her compatriot Welles Newman 6-2, 6-2. The American secured the win with sharp groundstrokes and effective net approaches, maintaining control from the start. This marked a notable achievement for Hazelitt, who navigated a competitive field to reach the top spot.
Doubles action also delivered exciting finishes. In boys’ doubles, Americans William Mcewan and Mason Vaughan took the crown, beating fellow countrymen Welles Newman and Oren Montevassel 6-3, 6-4. The pair coordinated well, using solid volleys and returns to seal the match.
For girls’ doubles, Hazelitt teamed up with Newman – her singles opponent – to defeat Americans Thara Gowda and Kaya Moe 6-4, 6-2. Their partnership highlighted teamwork and quick reflexes, turning potential rivalry into a successful collaboration.
The tournament brought together 64 players in each singles draw, with participants from countries including the United States, France, Canada, Mexico, and several Latin American nations. Families and coaches filled the stands, creating an energetic atmosphere despite the indoor setup for daytime matches due to new covered courts. Night sessions featured outdoor play under lights, adding to the event’s appeal.
Local Costa Rican players made appearances, though none reached the finals this year. The event provided valuable experience for them, facing off against top-ranked juniors. Organizers noted increased attendance from regional spectators, drawn by the mix of emerging talent and the tournament’s longstanding reputation.
Since its start in 1965, the Copa del Café has grown into one of the premier junior events, attracting future stars like Roger Federer and Amanda Anisimova in past editions. This year’s competition maintained that tradition, offering a platform for under-18 athletes to gain ranking points and exposure. With the finals complete, players now shift focus to upcoming ITF events.
