Bela Martínez Rivera wins Copa Palmas.

Puerto Rico’s Bela Martínez Rivera won the girls’ title at the Copa Palmas del Caribe U18 (J30 Bayamón) on Saturday with a 7-6(5), 6-1 victory over Sofia Kedrin of the U.S. in the final.

By THE STAR STAFF

A pair of Puerto Rican junior tennis players have made their presence known on international stages following the crowning of Bela Martínez Rivera as champion at the Copa Palmas del Caribe U18 (J30 Bayamón) on Saturday and the advancement of Yannik Álvarez to the grand final of the prestigious J500 Banana Bowl in Brazil.

In Bayamón, Martínez Rivera claimed the girls’ singles title after defeating American Sofia Kedrin 7-6(5), 6-1 in a match in which the teenager demonstrated competitive maturity, command during key moments, and great consistency from the baseline. Martínez Rivera capped off an impeccable week, solidifying her status as one of the leading prospects in junior tennis.

In the boys’ division of the local tournament, Japan’s Yosuke Hino was crowned champion of the event, which drew players from multiple countries and reaffirmed Puerto Rico as a key host venue within the ITF junior circuit.

“This week confirms that Puerto Rico is not only a great host but also a true breeding ground for competitive talent,” said Rosa Martínez, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tennis Association. “Our players are delivering results both on and off the island, and that speaks to a development process that is growing stronger.”

Álvarez contends for J500 Banana Bowl title

In Gaspar, Brazil, meanwhile, top-seeded Puerto Rican Álvarez advanced to Sunday’s grand final of the clay-court J500 Banana Bowl, where he was to face Argentina’s Dante Pagani, the sixth seed.