Pasha’s love match

HE IS from Atlanta, his girlfriend is from Townsville but Nathan Pasha is happy to admit his heart is in Cairns.

The American right-hander, ranked 625 in the world, is back in the Far North this week after meeting his now girlfriend, Townsville’s Lizette Cabrera, this time last year at the Cairns Tennis International.

North Queenslander Cabrera was one of the best-performed females at the 2016 edition of the tournament but will not return this week, instead playing in Hong Kong.

Pasha, 25, who went through the American College system at the University of Georgia, is spending much more time in Queensland now that he has been with Cabrera for 12 months.

“I actually met her in Cairns a year ago, which is pretty funny,” Pasha said.

“This place has some good meaning to it considering this is where I first met Lizette.

“She is over in Hong Kong now but I am happy to be back playing here.”

Pasha, who made his ATP main draw debut at the 2010 US Open in the doubles draw, took time out from his preparation for the Cairns Tennis International to give out HotShots racquets at Cairns West State School yesterday morning.

“I do not mind these school visits, whenever I am asked to do them I always say yes,” Pasha said.

“I have been given a lot in my life as a kid to have the opportunity to play tennis so whenever I get my opportunity to give back I enjoying do it.”

The main draw singles round of 32 starts today from 10am at Cairns International Tennis Centre.

The Cairns Tennis International is part of the Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events that bridge junior events and the ATP/WTA Tour, providing an opportunity for tennis players to earn their first world ranking points.

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