 Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 13 Aug 2005 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 13 Aug 2005 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 13 Aug 2005 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 13 Aug 2005 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 13 Aug 2005 |  Photographer: Paul Zimmer
Date: 13 Aug 2005 |
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| 13 Aug 2005 - Prostejov, Czech Republic - James Harrisson | |
| World Junior Tennis Finals 2005 - Final Day |
The final day of play at TK Prostejov saw France lift the boys' trophy after defeating Argentina, while Russia beat Japan to win the girls’ event.
The much-anticipated boy’s final kicked off with Argentine Guido Andreozzi taking on Constantin Belot of France. Andreozzi broke the French serve twice in the first set and was able to hold his nerve and hold serve to win 62. Belot has been France’s most consistent player this week, but looked like he had nothing left to give as the Buenos Airean played some quality tennis and cruised to a 50 lead in the second. At that point Andreozzi could have been forgiven for assuming that the finish line was not far off. However, Belot did not lose faith, and staged an incredible comeback, saving two match points along the way, to bring the score back to 54. With Andreozzi again serving for the match, the tension was rising, as the balance of play seemed to have shifted in favour of the French. Belot then saved three more match points before finally succumbing to the Argentine, who took the match 62 64.
The other singles match was between Juan Vazquez from Argentina and French number one Adrien Puget. Puget found himself a break up, serving for the first set at 53. Facing two set points, Vazquez placed a forehand winner down the line and watched Puget serve two double faults to throw away the game. However, Vazquez was unable to hold the crucial service game that ensued, and Puget took the set 63. Puget’s game became plagued with double faults in the second set, and Vazquez broke twice to take a 41 lead over his opponent. The French boy, however, slowed down his game, cut out the unforced errors and was able to level the match at 5 games apiece. Suddenly Vazquez found himself serving at 56 to stay in the match. The difference in style between Puget, who took time to compose himself between points, and Vazquez, who thrives on a fast pace game, was more unsettling for the Argentine, who saved one of three match points before serving a double fault handing victory to Puget.
The atmosphere was electric during the final doubles match. Vazquez was joined by Nicolas Pastor against Puget and Belot. The French took the first set 63, with a single break of serve. A series breaks in the middle of the second set eventually left Argentina serving for the set at 53. Then, in an interesting turnaround, the French broke twice in succession to reverse the situation and serve for the championships. Match point arrived quickly and the game was won when Pastor tried to lob the two French boys at the net, but his shot lacked depth and Puget smashed the ball past both his opponents to claim the title.
In the girls’ final, top seed Russia faced Japan. The Asian team have been the surprise of the week and saw of tough opposition to make the last two. Unfortunately the tie did not live up to expectations, as the Russians Elena Kulikova and Anastasia Pavlychenkova raised their games for the occasion. The first match on court was between Kulikova and Chihiro Takayama. The Russian quickly got into her stride and quickly took a 40 lead in the opening set. Then, at 51, Takayama managed to save four set points before finally losing. The second set saw a more positive performance from Takayama and after some great rallies the girls were tied at 66. The tiebreak was one Takayama will want to forget. She failed to pick up a single point as Kulikova took the set and the match.
Pavlychenkova took just 42 minutes to beat Kurumi Nara. The Russian girl powered through eight consecutive games before the Nara finally got on the scoreboard. Any hopes of a comeback from the Japanese camp were then dashed, as Pavlyuchenkova ran away with the set, taking the match 60 61. A disappointing end for the Japanese but an impressive performance from the top seeds. Marta Sirotkina then joined Pavlyuchenkova in the doubles against Nara and Misaki Doi, a match which the Russians won 62 62 to emphasise their dominace of the tie.
In the girls’ play-off for third place, Croatian Indire Akiki beat Masa Gegan of Slovenia 62 63 before her compatriot Petra Martic came from a set down to secure victory for the Croatians beating Polona Hercog, 36 63 64. The doubles match was not played for medical reasons. Third place in the boys’ event went to Australia, who beat USA. Aussie Jake Eames defeated Blake Davis in straight sets, 63 63, and then Mark Verryth beat Chase Buchanan 64 63, leaving top-seeded USA outside the medal-finishing positions.
Today also saw some tough matches in the fight against finishing bottom. In the girls’ the crucial tie was between Algeria and the Republic of Korea. Korean Yun-Hee Kim beat Samara Amour in two sets, 60 63 before Yasmine Alkema levelled the tie with a 62 46 63 win over So-Yeon Kim. The Koreans then won the doubles match 62 62 in just over an hour to leave the Africans rooted to the bottom of the table. The boys’ battle for 15th was between Portugal and South Africa, and it was the Europeans who picked up their first win of the week. Miguel Almeida beat Grant Ive 16 62 63 and Martim Trueva was the eventual victor over James Munro after a titanic battle that ended 36 76(7) 76(4).
In the day’s other matches Chile’s girls beat Ecuador 3-0 to finish 13th and the boys from Bulgaria overcame Mexico after winning both singles matches. The doubles was not played but the Bulgarians had done enough to claim 13th spot.
The finals were immediately followed by the awards ceremony on Centre Court. There were speeches from prominent local figures, both from the TK Prostejov and the Czech Tennis Association. The ITF President Francesco Ricci Bitti also offered some words of congratulations to players and organisers before presenting the winners with their trophies.
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> World Junior Tennis Finals Day 5
> Prostejov Educational Forum Review
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> World Junior Tennis Finals Day 3
> World Junior Tennis Finals Day 2
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> Educational Forum Preview
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