NAUMI and DONNER Crowned Finnish Champions

March 24, 2025
10:07 am
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Alex NAUMI and Marina DONNER were the standout players at the Finnish Championships held in Tampere, both capturing gold medals in singles and doubles.

In the men’s singles final, NAUMI faced a brief challenge from Otto TENNILÄ in the opening game but quickly shifted into top gear to win in straight games, 4-0 (13-11, 11-4, 11-6, 11-5). The Swedish-based 23-year-old claimed his second Finnish men’s singles title with a composed and clinical display.

“Winning the first set was crucial for the final outcome. After that, I was able to neutralise Otto’s strengths with my own game. This weekend really could not have gone much better,” said NAUMI after the final.

Bronze medals were awarded to Aleksi RÄSÄNEN and Juho KAHLOS. Notably absent was Finland’s top-ranked player, Benedek OLÁH, who was competing in the United States Major League.

In the women’s singles final, defending champion Marina DONNER overcame a shaky start to defeat 19-year-old Maria GIRLEA 4-1 (2-11, 12-10, 11-8, 11-9, 11-8). GIRLEA had three set points to go 2-0 up, but DONNER’S experience proved decisive in turning the momentum.

“I was sidelined for three months this season due to injuries, so it was understandable that the beginning of the match was difficult. On the other hand, Maria played fantastically for nearly two sets. I just waited patiently for my rhythm to return and for the match to turn in my favour,” DONNER reflected.

With the win, DONNER—based in Åland—secured her fifth consecutive Finnish national title. Bronze medals went to Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA and Jannika OKSANEN.

In the men’s doubles, Alex NAUMI partnered with Aleksi RÄSÄNEN to defeat Otto TENNILÄ and Miikka O’CONNOR in straight games. DONNER claimed her second gold of the weekend in women’s doubles alongside Maria GIRLEA, as they swept past Ella and Mia KELLOW.

The mixed doubles final saw Otto TENNILÄ and Jannika OKSANEN take the title, defeating Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA and Matias OJALA 3-1.

Men’s Singles

• Alex NAUMI

• Otto TENNILÄ

Women’s Singles

• Marina DONNER

• Maria GIRLEA

Men’s Doubles

• Alex NAUMI / Aleksi RÄSÄNEN

• Otto TENNILÄ / Miikka O’CONNOR

Women’s Doubles

• Marina DONNER / Maria GIRLEA

• Ella KELLOW / Mia KELLOW

Mixed Doubles

• Otto TENNILÄ / Jannika OKSANEN

• Aleksandra TITIEVSKAJA / Matias OJALA

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