Sri Lanka’s rising tennis star Akeesha Silva smashed through barriers and expectations this week, clinching her career-best performance at the CJ Synergy SSC Open Tennis Championship at the Sinhalese Sports Club courts in Maitland Place. The 15-year-old Newstead College player completed a dream run, bagging the Women’s Open Singles, Under-16 Singles and Under-16 Doubles titles, marking her first-ever triple crown in a single tournament.
Akeesha Silva celebrates her first major victory, marking a milestone in her remarkable career!
“I am beyond happy,” Akeesha said, beaming with pride. “At the start of the tournament, I never imagined winning the Women’s Open. This is the biggest victory of my life.”
Akeesha, a key member of Sri Lanka’s Under-16 national team, showcased her talent in grand fashion. She stunned her schoolmate, Under-18 player Oneli Samarawickrama, in the Women’s Open final, proving that age is just a number. She then dominated the Under-16 Singles, defeating Sandithi Usgodaarachchi later partnered with Chiara de Zoysa of Bishop’s College to claim the Under-16 Doubles title.
Akeesha’s triumphs come at a crucial time, as she prepares for the Billie Jean King Cup in Malaysia from March 1 to 8. She will represent Sri Lanka alongside Yuhansa Peries, Venuli Jayasinghe and Sandithi Usgodaarachchi, making her debut in the national Under-16 squad after previously playing for the Under-12 and Under-14 teams.
“My goal is to help Sri Lanka qualify for the next stage and ultimately earn a place in the Sri Lanka Women’s team,” Akeesha said, her eyes set firmly on the future.
Tennis has been Akeesha’s passion since she picked up a racket at the age of six. Now a key player in Newstead College’s ten-member school team, she continues to sharpen her skills by watching top international tournaments like the Australian Open.
“I used to love Serena Williams, but now that she’s retired, I admire Iga Swiatek. She’s world number one and such an inspiration,” Akeesha shared.
Her journey has taken her beyond Sri Lankan shores. Last year, she represented the country’s Under-14 team at an international tournament in Sri Lanka, trained in Vietnam and traveled to Malaysia with the Under-14 squad in April.
Akeesha credits her success to her training base, Smash Tennis Academy in Negombo and their dedicated coaches. She expressed gratitude to head coach and former national player Dumindu Dilum, assistant coach Srinath and her training partners, national player Ashen Silva and Rayan. Her fitness coach, Tharuka Perera and school coach, Sirimal Kannangara, have also played crucial roles in shaping her game.
With a powerful serve, unwavering determination and dreams reaching far beyond the baseline, Akeesha Silva is fast becoming Sri Lanka’s next big tennis sensation. The triple champion is just getting started and looking forward to a journey with more success.
