Ahmedabad, Dec 17 (NationPress) The GS Delhi Aces celebrated a remarkable conclusion to their inaugural season by clinching the title of the Tennis Premier League Season 7, demonstrating an impressive run from day one to the finale.

Under the leadership of Sofia Costoulas, who excelled consistently in both women's singles and mixed doubles, and the steady guidance of Jeevan Nedunchezhiyan alongside star player Billy Harris, the Delhi-based team showcased their prowess right from the beginning. Their journey culminated in a victory over the Yash Mumbai Eagles with a score of 51-36 in the final.

Sofia was in exceptional form throughout the tournament, winning all seven of her Women's Singles matches with ease and contributing 118 points to her team.

Reflecting on her experience in the Tennis Premier League, she expressed, “This tournament has been incredible for me personally. I've learned a lot, enjoyed every match, and feel very grateful to be part of such a high-quality event. I will carry many fond memories and lessons into the next season.”

Regarding the team's performance on the final day, the 20-year-old Belgian highlighted the squad's overall strength, stating, “The primary factor behind our performance was the people surrounding us. Jeevan was an outstanding leader and teammate; his guidance and ability to unite the team made a significant difference for me on the court, especially due to his extensive experience in India. Billy was equally remarkable; his unwavering support, energy, and belief in us provided me with confidence, particularly during critical moments.”

“What truly stood out was the constant support we received, from the owners to everyone working behind the scenes. That collective effort enabled us to perform powerfully on the final day.”

Echoing her sentiments, Jeevan praised the team's steady performance throughout the event, saying, “It was Sofia's strong start each day, and then Billy and I focused on maintaining our composure while holding onto the lead without becoming too defensive or aggressive. By the end of the week, we were defeating opponents by an average of 20 points, which demonstrates our strength as a unit.”

Discussing the camp's culture and the influence of Leander Paes, Sofia remarked, “The team culture was robust from the outset. Everyone committed to a team-oriented mindset and supported one another, which significantly benefited us as a group. It was a privilege to meet Leander Paes and have him involved with our team. Being around him was incredibly motivating and a valuable learning experience that I will carry forward.”

When recalling her favorite moments of the tournament, Sofia shared, “My personal favorite matches were undoubtedly the final in singles and mixed doubles, but the very last point of the tournament stands out the most. Billy’s backhand down the line to seal the win was an unforgettable moment.”

Jeevan highlighted a pivotal league-stage match that bolstered their confidence, stating, “The encounter against the Gurgaon Grand Slammers was particularly significant for me. On paper, they were a very formidable team, and we managed them well from start to finish. This victory instilled in us the belief that we could not only start strong but also handle every team throughout the week, as we demonstrated during the weekend.”

Both players praised the atmosphere in Ahmedabad, with Sofia calling it “truly special,” adding, “Playing in a packed stadium with such an energetic and supportive crowd gave me goosebumps as I stepped onto the court. Moments like this remind you why you love this sport, making the experience even more memorable for us as players.”

In conclusion, Jeevan noted, “The atmosphere in Ahmedabad was electric. It’s the best atmosphere the Tennis Premier League has ever experienced, and playing in cities where stadiums are central and accessible significantly contributes to building a strong tennis culture. The crowd response here illustrates just how much the league can expand.”