April Thirumalaiyandi Impresses on the International Stage at Little Mo Internationals
- NewslineTCI
- 24 minutes ago
- 3 min read
April Thirumalaiyandi continues to elevate the profile of Turks and Caicos Islands tennis, delivering a strong and memorable performance at the 19th Annual “Little Mo” Internationals, one of the most prestigious junior tennis tournaments in the United States.
The event featured approximately 650 elite junior players from 68 countries, placing April among the world’s top young competitors. Competing in the 11-and-under division, April entered the tournament as the No. 1 seed, a distinction that reflected both her recent results and her steady development under the guidance of her coach, Reinaldo “Rey” Rivera.
According to Rivera, April’s top seeding was the product of consistent high-level performances, including strong showings in Colorado, USA, and Medellín, Colombia, along with a solid UTR rating of 5.45.
“She’s earned this position through hard work, discipline, and the ability to compete against quality opponents,” Rivera noted.
As the tournament’s top seed, April received a first-round bye before opening her campaign in dominant fashion. In the round of 32, she defeated A. Muñoz Soto (USA) 6–3, 6–0, quickly establishing control from the baseline and increasing her intensity as the match progressed. Rivera highlighted her composure in the opening rounds, noting her ability to balance aggression with patience.
April followed with an emphatic 6–1, 6–0 victory over K. Accursio (USA) in the round of 16, showcasing excellent court positioning, early ball contact, and confidence under pressure. She continued her strong run in the quarterfinals, dispatching I. Prusinkiewicz (Canada) 6–0, 6–2 in a match that underlined her tactical awareness and maturity beyond her years.
The tournament’s defining moment came in the semifinals against M. Palafox Sanchez of Mexico. April dominated the opening set 6–0, controlling the match technically and tactically. However, early in the second set, a controversial referee call altered the emotional momentum. Despite her technical superiority, April struggled to fully reset mentally, and the match shifted as her opponent claimed the second set 6–1.
The contest was decided in a dramatic 10-point match tiebreak. April showed courage and determination, battling point-for-point, but her opponent narrowly prevailed 10–7. Rivera later described the match as “a powerful lesson in the mental side of elite competition,” emphasizing that learning to respond to adversity is an essential step in an athlete’s long-term growth.
April demonstrated that lesson immediately in the third-place playoff, delivering one of her strongest performances of the tournament. She defeated Mia Verlinich (USA) 7–6 (7–5), 6–1, displaying mental resilience, tactical clarity, and a positive emotional response after disappointment.
Her efforts earned her third place in singles, a significant achievement at an event widely regarded as a proving ground for future international stars.
April also excelled in doubles competition, partnering with Victoria Grujovska of Bulgaria. The pair advanced to the finals and finished as runners-up, further highlighting April’s adaptability and competitive maturity.
Throughout the tournament, April’s serve emerged as a standout weapon. She recorded 11 aces, earning her the nickname “Ace Queen” from fellow players and spectators, a testament to her growing confidence and power on court.
Reflecting on the overall performance, Rivera expressed optimism about what lies ahead.
“This tournament showed exactly where April is in her development,” Rivera said. She has the technical and physical tools to compete at the highest level. Now we continue building mental resilience, because experiences like this are what shape future champions.”
With another strong international result added to her résumé, April Thirumalaiyandi leaves the Little Mo Internationals stronger, wiser, and better prepared for the next stage of her tennis journey, continuing to represent the Turks and Caicos Islands with distinction on the global stage.