Snyder & Kettlewell crowned tennis tournament champions

Nicholas Snyder won the men’s championship at this past weekend’s National Tennis Championship in Guaynabo, defeating defending champion Luca Hotze Martínez in the final, 6-4, 6-2.

By THE STAR STAFF

Nicholas Snyder and Lauren Kettlewell were crowned champions of the 2026 National Tennis Championship in Guaynabo on Saturday.

“Throughout the entire week, we witnessed high-level tennis and extraordinary participation from players across the island,” said Dr. William Micheo, president of the tournament host Puerto Rico Tennis Association, in a written statement.

Snyder claimed the men’s championship after defeating defending champion Luca Hotze Martínez in a hard-fought final, winning in straight sets with scores of 6-4, 6-2.

To reach the final, Snyder defeated Edgardo Piovanetti in the semifinals, 6-1, 6-2, while Hotze Martínez advanced after prevailing over Juan Marrero 7-6(3), 6-3.

In the women’s category, Lauren Kettlewell Sotomayor won the national championship after defeating Aurora Lugo, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a thrilling final.

Kettlewell Sotomayor returned to the championship match after having been a finalist in the 2025 edition.

She advanced to the final after overcoming Siena Schintler in three sets -- 4-6, 6-3, 6-1 -- in the semifinals, while Lugo secured her spot following an injury-related retirement by her opponent, Carolina Castro.

The day’s matches also determined the doubles champions. In the men’s division, the duo of Snyder and Hotze Martínez claimed the title by defeating Stephan González Cruz and Marrero, 6-3, 6-4. In women’s doubles, the championship went to Lugo and Schintler, who secured the crown with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Dakota Fordham and Natalia Ponsa.