Czech Republic starlet Linda Fruhvirtova revelled in exorcising the disappointment of last year’s final after leading her nation to ITF World Junior Tennis glory courtesy of an empathic victory over USA in Prostejov.

The 14-year-old recovered from a troublesome hand injury to take the court and clinically dispatch previously unbeaten USA No. 1 Clervie Ngounoue 6-0 6-1 in less than an hour, sealing a first girls’ title for Czech Republic since 2003.

In a true family affair, Linda’s younger sister Brenda had earlier overcome Tsehay Driscoll 7-5 6-4 in the opening singles clash as Czech Republic ensured there was no repeat of the trauma which beset her side 12 months ago.

Linda lost in both singles and doubles as Czech Republic slipped to defeat against Russia on their home patch, but it was a different story this time around as the hosts sealed their fourth ITF World Junior Tennis title as an independent nation.

“Winning was so special for me,” Linda, who is ranked No. 22 in the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Rankings, told itftennis.com. “The loss in last year’s final was so disappointing and I went into today desperate to enjoy it and determined to win. I focused well, played a good game and we won, so I’m extremely happy.

“Since I first played here [in 2017], I always wanted to win this amazing tournament. Finally, we have the win and after 16 years the trophy is back where it belongs. My sister Brenda and Nikola [Bartunkova] have been such great teammates – it has been amazing.”

Brenda won all 10 rubbers she contested across singles and doubles during the competition without dropping a set, and even regained her composure after inadvertently colliding with the scoreboard during her tussle with Driscoll.

The 12-year-old was bloodied but unbowed and, as the week has proven, completely fearless of competing against older girls. “When I started to play tennis I always played against players who were older than me, so this is normal,” she told itftennis.com. “This tournament is special for me, as is the victory.”

Czech captain Tomas Josefus was bullish from the word go this week, stating in the immediate aftermath of his team’s annihilation of Egypt on Monday that his girls were intent on glory and driven to top the podium.

“It is a special moment for us and especially for the girls,” Josefus told itftennis.com.

“Linda had a serious problem with her left hand yesterday and we discussed everything with her and our medical team and during morning practice she said: ‘I’m in’. In the end we played with both sisters and I am amazed with their performance. Linda made the last step and it was a beautiful moment.”

Josefus also recognised the significance of the triumph for Linda following her past experience of representing her country in the final. He added: “She was sad last year after losing in the doubles and was desperate to win this tournament, especially with it being at home.

“For all three of my players, the semi-final against Canada was a tough moment with it going to the doubles but we found a way to win, which is something we have done all week. Today was an amazing performance.”

Victory would have given USA their eighth ITF World Junior Tennis girls’ title, but ultimately it was not to be as Czech Republic flexed their muscle and proved an irresistible force. Despite obvious disappointment, USA captain Maureen Diaz was magnanimous in defeat

“I knew it was going to be a tough match and that we would have to be at our best,” Diaz told itftennis.com. “Czech Republic are a great team and always come out playing their best.

“I’ve told the girls that this is a small part of their junior career and they need to use today as motivation to get better. These matches throw up lessons to be learned so when they go back home there needs to be motivation to work hard at their game and knowledge of the areas they need to improve.”

Canada, meanwhile, seized third place with a 2-1 success over top seeds Switzerland as Kayla Cross and Victoria Mboko disposed of Karolina Kozakova and Celine Naef in the doubles. Cross had earlier defeated Kozakova in the opening singles rubber before Naef beat Mboko to haul Switzerland level.

Philippines finished proceedings in fifth place following a 2-1 victory over Japan, Ukraine came seventh after defeating Serbia, while Korea ended the competition in ninth by dispatching China. The remining placings were occupied by Italy, Greece, Egypt, Venezuela, South Africa and then Brazil.