Victories at El Nacional & Wimbledon mark a new chapter in Puerto Rican tennis

In the women’s final at this past weekend’s 2025 Puerto Rico National Tennis Championships in Río Grande, Daniella O’Neill (1) defeated Lauren Kettlewell Sotomayor (2), 6-4, 7-6(6).

By The Star Staff

Puerto Rican tennis celebrated an unforgettable weekend with significant achievements both at home and on the international stage.

The finals of the 2025 Puerto Rico National Tennis Championships, held Saturday at the Río Mar Tennis Club in Río Grande, coincided with an unprecedented feat at Wimbledon, consolidating the present and future of Puerto Rican tennis.

In the men’s category of the island tournament, No. 3-ranked Luca Hotze Martínez was crowned national champion after defeating Gabriel Evans Campos (2) in a hard-fought match, 4-6, 6-0, 6-4.

This year, the title included the presentation of the Manuel Ángel Rodríguez Cup, an award that pays tribute to the legendary seven-time Puerto Rican champion who was a tennis pioneer on the island and an example of tenacity, heart and passion for the sport. The trophy was presented by Rodríguez’s daughter, Lydia Rodríguez, former executive director of the Puerto Rico Tennis Association, and his grandson, Jorge de la Rosa.

In the women’s final, Daniella O’Neill (1) defeated Lauren Kettlewell Sotomayor (2), 6-4, 7-6(6), demonstrating maturity, technique, and poise in the decisive moments.

In addition, O’Neill received the Sportsmanship Award, a recognition given by the Jordán Blanes family in memory of their son, Rafa Jordán Blanes. The award recognizes athletes who stand out for their positive attitude, respect and values ​​on and off the court. Gabriel Evans Campos was also recognized alongside O’Neill. The presentation was made by Juanqui Fernández, a beloved figure within the Puerto Rican tennis community and the Jordán Blanes family.

In the men’s doubles final, young Marko Mesarovic, who was paired with Evans Campos, was forced to withdraw due to injury, and the duo of Luca Hotze Martínez and Nicholas Snyder was declared national champion.

Similarly, in the mixed doubles final, where Mesarovic competed alongside Natalia Pérez, the national championship was awarded to Hotze Martínez and Kettlewell Sotomayor.

Triumph at Wimbledon

In London, meanwhile, young Yannik Álvarez became the first Puerto Rican to win a match in the main draw of Junior Wimbledon. In a stunning comeback on Saturday, Álvarez defeated Britain’s Eric Lorimer 2-6, 6-4, 6-4, with an outstanding performance that included 79% effective first serves and more than 143 meters covered on the court. Álvarez’s victory put Puerto Rico on the map of international junior tennis as he moved on to face Benjamin Willwell (7) of the U.S. in the second round.

“This is a very special moment for Puerto Rican tennis,” stated Rosa Martínez, executive director of the Puerto Rico Tennis Association. “We celebrate local talent at El Nacional and, at the same time, we see one of our own making his mark on one of the world’s biggest stages.”