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DELRAY BEACH, Fla. — There were a lot of “firsts” for Axel Nefve in the USTA Boys' 18 National Clay Court Championships at the Delray Beach Tennis Center.

In defeating doubles partner Ryan Goetz (Greenlawn, N.Y.) 6-2, 6-4 for the singles championship, the Boca Raton resident won his first gold ball.

Boys 18 Champion Axel Nefve
© Gary Curreri

“This was my first time playing for a gold ball,” said Nefve, whose previous best finish at nationals was a quarterfinal appearance. “This was also the first time I had to experience seven tough matches. I have wanted this for a while and it feels great to do it in the 18s.”

Nefve also gave himself a belated birthday present after turning 17 the day before the championship match.

“It feels great to do this on my birthday as well,” he said. “This was the best (birthday present) for sure because I actually went out and earned it.”