|
|
| 04 Jun 2003 | |
| Junior World Champions celebrate their success |
The 2002 ITF World Junior Champions were presented with their trophies at the ITF World Champions Dinner, held on Tueday 3rd June in Paris. Richard Gasquest, Barbora Strycova, Elke Clijsters Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau joined Lleyton Hewitt, Serena Williams and the rest of the ITF World Champions on stage to receive their trophies for ending 2002 at the top of the rankings.
Despite being slightly nervous at the thought of being presented to a room filled with legends such as Billie Jean King, Martina Navratilova, Ilie Nastase and Gabriela Sabatina, the Junior Champions all performed superbly and enjoyed their moment in the spotlight.
First up to collect her prize was Elke Clijsters, ITF Junior World Champion for Girls Doubles. Elke reached the top of the rankings thanks to wins at the Grade A Banana Bowl, Wimbledon and the US Open. When asked by the MC Fred Stolle which of her successes stood out, she replied, “Definitely the Grand Slams, especially Wimbledon because of the tradition of the tournament.” When asked if she would like to play doubles with her sister Kim, the younger sister claimed: “Of course, I think everyone wants to play doubles with Kim!”
Following Elke were the Junior World Champions for Boys Doubles, Florin Mergea and Horia Tecau from Romania. The boys reached the final at the Australian Open, but were denied a chance at the title as they had to withdraw due to illness. They made their mark at Wimbledon and confirmed their position with back-to-back titles at the Eddie Herr International and the USTA Winter Championships and a final spot at the Orange Bowl. The pair shared a table with fellow Romanian Ilie Nastase who is one of their biggest supporters, and when asked if Nastase gives them any advice, Tecau admitted, “Yes he gives us advice, but what he tells us most is to win everything.”
Barbora Strycova, Junior World Champion for Girls Singles, started 2002 on a high note with a win at the Australian Open, and continued with a final spot at the Grade A Banana Bowl in Brazil and the title at the Italian Junior Open, she also reached the final of the US Open. Barbora was not willing to miss her the presentation for anything, when she heard that a strike in France had caused her flight to be cancelled, her family promptly jumped in their car and drove for ten hours from the Czech Republic to Paris. Having retained her title in Australia in 2003 Fred Stolle asked what it is about Australia that makes her play so well there, Barbara explained, “I like the country, I feel very comfortable there and so I play well.”
Last up was Richard Gasquet who claimed the ITF World Junior Champion for Boys singles title thanks to titles at Roland Garros and the US Open. The fifteen-year-old French boy also made a big impact on the professional tour when he became the youngest person to win a round in a Masters Series event in Monte Carlo. On home soil Richard’s parents and the President of the French Tennis Federation, Christian Bimes, looked on as Francesco Ricci Bitti, the President of the ITF, presented Richard with his trophy. Richard explained that he was very proud to be the ITF Junior World Champion but he knew that it was not a guarantee for success for the future.
Photos by Susan Mullane
^ Back to Top
|
