Tennis Cook Islands is holding the 2025 Pacific Nations Cup trials this week, which have showcased exceptional performances from the players at the Nikao courts.

On Wednesday afternoon, Hinano Ellingham and Maeva-Leigh Herman battled it out in the heat in the longest match so far, with the two women clocking in at two hours and 50 minutes for their game. Ellingham won the match 6-4 7-6 10-6.

Tennis Cook Islands president Davina Hosking-Ashford said these trials will choose the six-member national team – three women and three men – to represent the Cook Islands at the Pacific Nations Cup that will be held in American Samoa from 30 June to 5 July, 2025.

“The minimum age to participate is 14 years so we encourage our young ones to participate in these senior tournaments,” said Hosking-Ashford.

“So far, it’s been quite a battle out there physically, mentally, and with the heat. But they have all shown great endurance to make it this far. It’s quite brutal – two to three hours in the sun, but it’s been fantastic tennis to watch, it’s great tennis.”

Luke Pierre gears up for his third match at the Tennis Cook Islands 2025 Pacific Nations Cup Trials. MELINA ETCHES/25032001

According to Hosking-Ashford, the Pacific Nations Cup was created by the International Tennis Federation and Oceania Tennis Federation to accommodate Class C member nations. It provides players from these countries the opportunity to play in a Davis Cup/Fed Cup type event.

Tamarua Payne hit the court on Wednesday up against Tane Wichman, taking the match 6-0 6-0.

“It’s been a good start and I’ve been playing some good tennis. But it’s been so hot out here and I’m just trying to survive in the heat which has been a challenge. I played some good matches against some good opponents so I’m happy so far,” Payne said.

Payne has been playing the sport since he was six.

“Tennis just helps me keep calm after work, it’s a good stress reliever for me … even though it can be stressful.

Recently, his grandfather Robert Albert Westrupp passed away. He was quite a good tennis player too, Payne added.

Luke Pierre and Timeri Wearing have been in Australia for some weeks undergoing tennis training.

Pierre has returned home to take part in the trials. He has been pretty happy with his performance having won his first match, but losing the second to Soko Teinakirahi.

“Soko was playing really well. I wanted that win but he deserved it,” said Pierre.

Hinano Ellingham up against Maeva-Leigh Herman in the Tennis Cook Islands 2025 Pacific Nations Cup Trials. MELINA ETCHES/25032005

Everyone is welcome to watch the trials at the National Tennis Courts in Nikao.

Draws

The draw for tomorrow Friday March 21, 4pm start: Raetea Rongo beat Hinano Ellingham, Maeva-Leigh Herman vs Tayla Beddoes, Arikitoa Allsworth vs Tane Wichman. 5.20pm: Tama Payne vs Luke Pierre, Soko Teinakirahi vs Brett Baudinet, and Te Kura Tamangaro vs Kathy Wearing. Saturday March 22 at 3pm: B Baudinet vs A Allsworth, T Wichman vs L Pierre. 4.20pm: S Teinakirahi vs T Payne, Jason Pierre vs T Wichman.

Results

Results for Wednesday March 19: R Rongo beat T Tamangaro 6-3 6-3, T Payne beat T Wichman 6-0 6-0, H Ellingham beat M Herman 6-4 7-6 10-6, Brett Baudinet beat L Pierre 6-0 6-2, J Pierre won by default.

Results for Tuesday March 18: H Ellingham beat T Beddoes 4-6 6-2 10-5, T Tamangaro beat M Herman 6-1 6-3, T Payne beat A Allsworth 6-1 6-2, S Teinakirahi beat L Pierre 6-4 7-5, B Baudinet beat T Wichman 6-1 6-0.

Results for Monday March 17: B Baudinet beat T Payne 3-6 6-1 11-9, S Teinakirahi beat T Wichman 6-0 6-2, H Ellingham beat K Wearing 1-6 6-0 10-2, L Pierre beat A Allsworth 4-6 6-4 10-5, T Tamangaro beat T Beddoes 6-0 6-2, R Rongo beat M Herman 6-3 6-4.