Redemption for Italy in junior final
Italy returned to the top of the ITF Junior Beach Tennis World Team Championships with a masterful performance against France on the final day.
Securing their third title in four years, the world No. 1's were simply sensational in wrapping up the tie in 78 minutes
Irene Mariotti and Giulia Renzi gave Team Italy the perfect start with a 6-2 6-0 victory over French pairing Lola Barrau and Ma Bray, before Luca Andreolini and Filippo Boscolo completed the job against Amado Choux and Tho Lahondes, 6-2 6-2.
Team captain, Michele Folegatti, is very happy for his team's victory: "It was [always going to be a] difficult match for my players because last year we lost in the final and this year we won.
"We had to concentrate to achieve the target we wanted to reach at the beginning of this tournament," he said.
Only dropping two sets for the entire tournament, the experienced Italians are clinical when it comes to the sport of beach tennis. They are faster, they are stronger, and they know how to force the error of their opponent.
However, Folegatti knows that championship titles are never guaranteed.
"The world knows that Italy is the best team for beach tennis, so we come to these tournaments and are expected to win," he said. "It's not easy for the juniors to win in this position. But we have the experience to play these difficult matches and after a battle we won.
On the other hand, debutant finalists Team France travel home satisfied with their week in Moscow. With far less experience and training than their opponents, captain David Mottin believes his team - and beach tennis in France - will now be better placed for the future.
"[Coming to Russia] we didn't know the level of the competition and to be in the final gives us a lot of hope for the future," Mottin said. "With one team, we have made the final so now hopefully we can motivate others to participate in beach tennis and make them want to be part of future World Team Championships."
"As for the Italians, a victory in the Pro Final as well will be a cause for a massive celebration.
"If both teams win, I think we will have a great party tonight," Folegatti concluded.