By Fu Quanming (27A01D), Han Penghao Matthew (27A01A) and Gao Yuanji (27S06M)

In the 2026 NSG season, RI’s girls’ tennis team has once again overcome the odds and found themselves in the finals against year-long rivals—Anglo-Chinese School (Independent). 

Just as the year before, the stands were split into two halves, the atmosphere tense with anticipation as the players slowly streamed into the courts below. The dim glow of the overhead lights and the excited buzz among the spectators only added to the growing tension. Three courts, side by side, would decide the outcome of this championship. 

As the players filed in, Raffles Press managed to snag a quick conversation with one of the players from the boys’ team on the prospects of the match, who filled us in on some grim news. 

With one of their key players, Dyanne Hsu (27S03Q), having just recovered from an injury, and ACS(I)’s history as a strong tennis team, the fight ahead seemed tough with a low chance of winning. Yet, as the players filed onto the courts, their smiles couldn’t hide the grit in their eyes. They were not going down without a fight.

As the spectators settled down in the stands, we caught Dyanne before her match. And in the span of that quick conversation, we came to understand that while the odds seemed piled against them, the team was entering with the goal to win and had every intention of putting up their best fight. 

Match breakdowns: A display of tenacity and teamwork 

The showdown began with the 1st and 2nd singles matches, together with the 1st doubles match. Heading the two singles matches were Sarah Qistina Sophian Hadi (26S03M) and Zhou Zimo (27S06A) respectively. 

Faced with their opponents’ aggressive serves and groundstrokes, Zimo and Sarah held their nerves and calmly returned each shot, occasionally producing flashes of brilliance. In the end, it was their opponents who had the upper edge, as they won the matches 6-1, 6-0 (1st singles) and 6-0, 6-2 (2nd singles). Despite their loss, Sarah and Zimo demonstrated commendable sportsmanship, congratulating their opponents graciously. 

As the first two singles matches were going on, the 1st doubles match was also underway. Faith Lee (27S03O) and Lorraine Ting (27S03F) stepped onto the court with an air of confidence. 

Facing their tenacious opponents, what proved crucial was their teamwork. They calmly rallied with their opponents, occasionally swooping in with a volley and finished the point. The opponents were no match for Lorraine and Faith’s synergy as they handily won the match, 6-3 and 6-0. 

At that point, the overall scoreline was 2-1 in favour of ACS(I). As the 2nd doubles players, Dyanne Hsu and Hannah Yeo (26S03I), stepped onto the court, they knew that their victory was not a plus, but a must. 

Indeed, they did not let the team down. With immaculate poise, both Rafflesians’ fiery shotmaking was on full display. Dyanne wowed the audience with her overhead backhand volleys and a powerful smash that sent the ball into the audience stands. Together, they overpowered their opponents in an electric match with the scoreline 6-2, 6-0. 

The Captain of the girls’ tennis team, Sonia Rae Loke (26S03Q), took on the final singles match, which was the deciding match for the championship. Yet, the immense pressure seemingly did not affect Sonia. 

Faced with her opponent’s aggressive and powerful strokes, Sonia returned each shot patiently. It slowly wore her opponent off as she started making more unforced errors. The momentum swung to Sonia’s favour. 

Finally, Sonia reached the game—and championship—point. As both players traded steady groundstrokes, the rally felt like it could go on forever. But this momentum broke as her opponent’s forehand went long, and the stands immediately erupted with applause and screams of joy. The racket slipped from Sonia’s hand as a brilliant smile took over her face. Her teammates charged the court, tackling her into a breathless huddle of pure celebration.

More than just a title

This year’s championship title will be their fourth consecutive one since 2023. For a team this dominant, winning can start to become an expectation from the stands. But behind the streak lay endless practice hours and silent mental battles that the crowd never saw.

Their opponents from ACS(I) were some of the best tennis players in Singapore. In fact, Sonia’s winning play was made against a player who had previously represented the nation. Against such a formidable profile, even reigning champions are bound to be misgiven. 

The battle was mental as much as it was physical, but they fought well. Cheering one another on before every match, keeping spirits high during training, and being there for one another made the fight just that much easier. 

When at the last moment, the stadium’s palpable tension gave way to RI’s roaring cheers, and when they carried the flame of victory forward another year, all their efforts were consummated in a moment of utter joy. 

Ultimately, it was never about winning. It was about how they won, how they overcame struggles both as a team and individually that led them to win. For there is no satisfaction in an easy victory, but it is struggle itself that fulfils. 

How were they able to persevere through it all? Dyanne attributes it to the team’s camaraderie. She gives special mention to her doubles partner, Hannah, for being a “calming presence on the court”, mellowing both her hubris and anxiety, allowing her to better focus on the game. 

“A comeback sounds individual, but no one comes back alone.” 

An apt summary of the 2026 season by team Captain Sonia, this line reflects the team spirit so fundamental to the Tennis Girls’ victory in this year’s NSG. Even in a sport like tennis, which is played primarily with one partner, our champions’ testimonies underscore the importance of teamwork in any endeavour.