Czech Republic crowned ITF World Junior Tennis girls' champions
Czech Republic have been crowned ITF World Junior Tennis girls' champions for the sixth time in their history after defeating Germany in a one-sided final on home soil at TK Prostejov.
Laura Samsonova and Alena Kovackova once again showcased their on-court prowess by dispatching Sonja Zhenikhova and Julia Stusek in singles as their nation claimed their first ITF World Junior Tennis title since 2019.
In truth, the top-seeded Czech girls have been utterly dominant all week, winning all 15 matches they have contested and dropping just three sets in the process – all of which were in the group stage.
The Czech celebrations were fully warranted as their production line of junior talent continues apace – their girls are now reigning world champions at both 14-and-under and 16-and-under level.
In terms of ITF World Junior Tennis, Czech Republic need just one further girls title to equal the hauls of USA and Russia on the all-time honour roll, although for now their latest achievement is at the forefront of their minds.
“I am unbelievably delighted and happier than words can describe,” Czech captain Petra Cetkovska told itftennis.com. “I am proud of them. As a team they have been through some difficult periods, but they have been incredibly professional and have continued fighting.
“They deserve this success and, as I say, I am so proud of them. It also once again shows the strength of Czech tennis – the girls are especially strong – and long may that continue. It is great for our nation.”
All 96 players on show in Prostejov this week are following in the footsteps of some illustrious names. The likes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Daniil Medvedev, Ashleigh Barty, Marketa Vondrousova, Ons Jabeur and Coco Gauff have all competed here at 14-and-under level.
The pathway for all competitors is clear and the above names should provide enormous inspiration for the class of 2022, and Cetkovska has high hopes for her newly-crowned champions Kovackova, Samsonova and Eliska Forejtkova.
“This should make them believe they belong among the best and can compete with the best in the world,” said Cetkovska. “I also hope it will give them extreme motivation to achieve their goals and win other trophies and medals.”
Back in 1999, Cetkovska came out on top in a doubles showdown as Czech Republic dispatched Germany en route to finishing fifth, and it was a similar story this time around as the Czechs dominated.
As she has done in every match she has contested this week, Samsonova ensured Czech Republic made the perfect start, this time overpowering Zhenikhova 6-2 6-2. Samsonova, 14, can be supremely proud of her achievements after winning all nine of her matches across singles and doubles.
The day had promised so much for Germany, who were bidding to become the first nation since USA in 2008 to win the boys’ and girls’ title in the same year, but ultimately silverware slipped from their grasp in both draws.
Germany’s fate in the girls' competition was sealed when Kovackova outmanoeuvred Julia Stusek 6-2 6-3 for her sixth match-win of another highly productive week, while Samsonova and Forejtkova then prevailed in doubles as the Czechs chalked up a commanding 3-0 success.
While it was not to be Germany’s day, their players can be immensely proud of their output, both on and off court, during the Finals and while their players will be no doubt disappointed, their heads should remain very high indeed.
Final placings:
1) Czech Republic 2) Germany 3) USA 4) Slovakia 5) Korea, Republic 6) Great Britain 7) Japan 8) Brazil 9) Latvia 10) Serbia 11) Argentina 12) Canada 13) Australia 14) Egypt 15) Tunisia 16) India