The postponed match is re-scheduled to be held this coming Saturday, making a very busy Benalla weekend even busier.
The match up looks set to be a huge tussle which could ultimately go to either player. Local player, Michael Levy, faces Argentinian youngster and tennis talent, Tomas Azar. Most will know Levy, but likely not know Azar, who rose to this year’s championship match brilliantly after he found his way to the Benalla area through work on the Pilecom Solar site at Mokoan/Glenrowan solar farm.
Azar and several other active solar workers were introduced to Benalla Gardens Tennis Club by an Argentinian friend, who was already playing the first rounds of the ‘26 Men’s Championship. Azar jumped on court for a quick hit post match and his ability was immediately obvious.
That first hit on the hardcourt led to Tomas being granted a late entry into this year’s singles tournament and as they say, the rest is history, as Azar finds himself in the play off for this year’s Benalla Championship. If the South American youngster can overcome Levy, Azar will become only the second international, and the first ever Argentine, to claim the Benalla and District Singles Championship.
The Saturday weather forecast predicts much better conditions than the weekend just passed. The greater temperature will no doubt give the courts a little more life back, with the Benalla Gardens hardcourts considerably more jumpy and fast when the surface heats up.
The returned liveliness and pace may possibly even out the match for Levy, who enjoys more pace and is more likely to be aggressive and risky with his groundstrokes. Both players can be considered all court players. Azar possesses greater patience and has both a strong forehand and brilliant backhand. Levy will have to play at a very high level and will likely need to serve near his absolute best to have a chance of claiming another title.
The Azar vs Levy Open Final on Saturday, April 18 is scheduled to start around 2:30 - 3pm on Benalla Gardens Tennis Club courts at Lake Benalla. Both men will be fully recovered and ready to play after having a fortnight off the courts following their tough semi finals against Mark Beers and Lucas Ruiz (Arg).
Beers and Ruiz were all set to face off in a third place playoff which would have led into last Sunday’s big final. However, Beers attended his daughters wedding in Melbourne and the match re-scheduled as well. Beers and Ruiz’s twilight showdown under lights on Wednesday, April 15 at 6pm should be a very high quality match up with Ruiz, who works along side Open finalist Azar, unlucky to not proceed to the big final after doing everything but finish Levy off in their semi final. Beers too had chances to beat Azar to progress to the final, making this match well worth a look.
The 2026 Men’s Division 2 ‘Plate Final’ pits the raw talent of youngster Joe Boyd up against the experience and consistency of Richard Seccull. Both players progressed directly to the final after both of their semi final opponents, Patrick Neilson and Lucas Hales, were forced to pull out of the 2026 Championships.
Boyd goes in the final with a good chance of causing an upset. The junior is making his way into senior tennis and has finally begun to make big strides. Boyd’s lack of experience had been the main issue thwarting him being able to produce his best in big matches. However it looks as if Boyd is starting to realise some of his potential with greater consistency.
Seccull is know for almost never playing a bad match and will go into the contest with the wood over Boyd. The Division 2 final looks set to be the curtain raiser to this Saturday’s match between Azar and Levy. Boyd and Seccull will be warming up around noon, with points to be played around 12:30pm.
Any visitors, supporters and local tennis lovers are encouraged to drop into Gardens Tennis Club for a look. For any updates or match details, feel free to contact Benalla Gardens Tennis Club by texting to 0433 520 809. Get along and catch the battle between the best of our local men.
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