By Maccabi GB
6 min read
By Maccabi GB
Having focussed on Team Maccabi GB’s Maccabiah junior tennis squad last week, we turn our attention this week to the four players who will be competing in the Open tennis tournament.
[Missing Credit]
Davide Ben-Yair first picked up a tennis racket at the tender age of three, and 16 years later, will be taking part in his second Maccabiah Games.
The 19-year-old from Edgware has competed at major high-level tournaments and has achieved a career high-ranking of 92 in the country. Belonging to a variety of clubs, but currently at David Lloyd in Bushey, he’ll be playing in both the singles and doubles tournaments, with the possibility of playing mixed too.
Training six times a week, both in the gym and on court, he’s preparing for the heat and intensity in Israel, though does know what to expect having been at the last Maccabiah Games in 2022 where he captained the U16 team. He also competed at the 2024 JCC Youth Games, where he won silver in the doubles playing alongside his brother Daniel.
Explaining what it means to him to be competing in Israel again, he says: “I’m extremely excited for the Maccabiah Games, I’ve been to Israel countless time however haven’t been for over two years now and have missed it greatly. Representing Team Maccabi GB for me will be an honour as always, with the constant thought in the back of my mind that we need more medals than ever.”
As to what he’s hoping to achieve, he continues: “I have huge expectations for myself at the tournament and believe I can win a medal in both the singles and doubles if I play my best tennis. I have no idea about my opponents, however the level at the tournament is fierce and there are some unbelievable players ranked in the top 20 in their country. Being the youngest player on the team leaves me brimming with confidence as many will underestimate me furthering my belief that I can win a medal.”
Looking to achieve as much off the court as he hopes to on it, he adds: “I hope to strengthen my connection with Israel and connect with my family there as well as make strong and meaningful connections for life.”
Also looking forward to his second Maccabiah Games is Ollie Alexenicer, the 21-year-old from Bushey, saying: “Last time was an amazing experience and is one that I want to be part of again.”
This will be Ollie Alexenicer's second Maccabiah Games[Missing Credit]
Like Ben-Yair, he plays at the same David Lloyd centre in Bushey and has also had a racket in his hand for the majority of his life – 13 years and counting. Also competing in both the singles and doubles, he aims to play around four times a week and has also been training with other players from the team, looking to fit in as much match practice as possible.
He says: “I’m very excited to be going to Israel again and to be representing Team Maccabi GB, especially after everything that has happened.
“I’m looking to try and go as far as possible in the tournament, potentially giving myself a shot at a medal. The competition was very tough at the last Maccabiah, so I will be expecting more of the same.”
As to what he hopes to gain from his time in Israel this time around, he says: “To have an overall memorable experience, especially with it being my first time visiting since the 7 October attack. For me, one of the best bits of the Maccabiah Games is being able to meet athletes from all around the world and socialise with them, which is what I’m once again looking forward to do.”
Unlike the previous two, this will be a first Maccabiah Games experience – at least in terms of participation – for Jacob Caro. The Leeds University student from Hertfordshire has been playing tennis for the past four years at his home club, Radlett Lawn Tennis and Squash Club, where he plays on average three times a week. Also set to play in both singles and doubles tournaments in Israel, he says: “This will be my first Maccabiah Games, however it stems from a family history where I have watched my dad, who has competed several times.”
Saying he’s ‘massively looking forward to participating’, he adds: “These Maccabiah Games will be more meaningful than ever before, and I'm very proud to be representing my community and Team Maccabi GB on the world stage.”
Commenting on what he hopes to achieve, he says: “During the tournament, I’m looking to thrive in what will be such a competitive environment and make my dad proud. I know the level of competition with regards to my opponents will be very high, yet I’m up for the challenge and believe I can make my presence felt.”
As to what he’s also looking for from his time in Israel, he concludes: “I hope to build on my current knowledge of the history and the culture, whilst meeting people from all different backgrounds to make memories and friendships for life. It will be exciting to integrate myself into a multi-cultural crowd where I can chat to others and meet new Jewish people from around the world.”
Zac Lovat is looking forward to taking part in the 'most incredible sporting experience of his life[Missing Credit]
Zac Lovat completes the quadruplet of players, and like Caro, this will be his first Maccabiah Games. The 21-year-old from Barnet started playing at a young age – when he was four, and continued until he was 13, before switching to diving for five years, and then returning to tennis a couple of years ago. Belonging to Finchley Manor Tennis Club, he plays three-five times a week, and like the other three, will be competing in both singles and doubles.
Preparing to ensure he’s as physically healthy as he can be, he’ll be up against it given he’s been plagued by injury since January. He explains: “I’ve had two surgeries, so have not been able to play much tennis in the last few months. I’ve been building my strength back by doing physio and gym exercises up to five times a week and in the next couple of weeks, will be gradually making my way back into tennis, working with my coach at Finchley Manor to be in good physical and mental condition. My brother is also a qualified tennis coach, and he has helped me in my training for the last year and a half, and we will continue to train and play together.”
Not only will this be his first Maccabiah games, it will also be his first introduction to international sports as he’s only ever competed in grade 3-5 LTA events in England.
Describing how much he’s looking forward to the tournament, he says: “It looks to be the most incredible sporting experience in my life. It will be perhaps the closest thing I can do to competing in the Olympics and experiencing the Olympic life as an athlete so it's very exciting. Representing Team Maccabi GB will only add to the experience and fulfilment of this event.”
Saying how his main goal is ‘to have a good time’, he explains: “With the injuries over the last few months, I’m extremely unlikely to play close to my best tennis, so I'd be lying if I thought I could win a medal. From what I understand, the open tennis category is an extremely strong group of players between the top Israeli tennis players, and some of the best players in the American Collegiate system. However, I don’t think the point of the Maccabiah Games for me is to win. I want to gain the experience of feeling what it would be like to be a professional athlete competing in the biggest global competitions.
“With this being my first time in Israel since the start of the war, off-court I would like to see and experience first-hand what the consequences of the last one and a half years have been. So much has happened and there’s a lot to be learnt. On a more upbeat note, I’m very excited for the weather, and the social side. Getting to live with all the other tennis players will be a unique experience but I am sure it will be absolutely incredible.”
Reflecting on the four players that have been assembled, Team Maccabi GB Tennis Chair Kelly Worth said: “Recruiting for open squads can be challenging- players start new jobs, start families and find participation costs restrictive. Team GB are both thrilled and excited to have four exceptionally talented players on board, who we are sure will do us proud and bring home the medals.”
