Malta proudly took to the international stage at the Tennis Europe Summer Cups this summer where our Maltese teams competed across five different venues, gaining invaluable experience against some of the strongest tennis nations in Europe.Modelled on the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup format, the event brings together the continent’s top national teams for head-to-head battles across multiple age groups. Each tie features two singles matches and a doubles match, testing players’ skill, teamwork, and mental toughness.U18 Boys – Zone B, Vichy (France)The U18 boys showcased resilience and skill in a highly competitive group. In the opening round against fourth seeds Portugal, Evan Galea produced a brilliant straight-sets victory (6–3, 6–3) over Portugal’s No.1. Strahinja Djukic battled through a tight three-setter (6–7, 6–1) before the tie came down to the deciding doubles, which Malta narrowly lost 5–7, 1–6.The team bounced back in the placing rounds, defeating Luxembourg and Andorra without dropping a match to secure fifth place overall.Players: Strahinja Djukic and Evan GaleaCaptain: Anna GaleaU14 Boys – Zone A, Valencia (Spain)Facing a tough group with Portugal, Ukraine, and Andorra, Malta’s U14 boys showed character and determination. After losses to Portugal (0-3) and Ukraine (0-3), they ended the week on a high note with a 2-1 victory over Andorra.Players: Gianluca Pace, Kurt Bonnici and Andy Gingell LittlejohnCaptain: Venelin GiorgievU14 Girls – Zone C, Lucciana (Corsica)Our U14 girls took on elite opposition in Great Britain and Portugal. Against Portugal, the team fought hard to take a point in the tie, demonstrating teamwork and determination.The experience gained from these high-level matches will be invaluable for their development.Players: Maryia Magro | Sophia Arpa | Pippa CutugnoCaptain: Elaine GenoveseU12 Boys – Zone A, Czech RepublicThe youngest Maltese boys faced a challenging group, taking on Czechia, Cyprus, and Austria. While the results were tough, the exposure to international competition at this level will be crucial for their growth and future success.Players: Matteo Borg, Matthias Bilocca and Luke KuijtCaptain: Marcus DelicataU12 Girls – Zone C, Brescia (Italy)Our U12 girls showed tremendous spirit throughout the week. After matches against Slovakia and Serbia, they faced a thrilling tie against hosts Italy. Maxine Soler levelled the tie with a singles victory before Italy clinched the doubles. The experience built team cohesion and laid a strong foundation for the future.Players: Maxine Soler, Kelly Nikashin-Spiteri and Sofia FrendoCaptain: Esther SigonaCongratulations to all Maltese players and captains!•