Malaysia, 26 October 2010 | Tennis Australia

Rising junior tennis player Andrew Harris (Blackburn, Vic) has secured his third straight title after winning the 16th Sarawak Chief Minister’s Cup in Malaysia this weekend.

Following impressive tournament victories in Switzerland and Australia, No.10 seed Harris defeated Mikael Torpegaard (DEN) 6-1 6-2 in the final to take his unbeaten streak to 16 consecutive matches.

The National Academy athlete dropped only one set for the tournament, defeating No.8 seed Thien Nguyen Hoang (VIE) and No.2 seed Haadin Bava (IND) on his way to winning the tournament.

Victory in Malaysia has ensured 16-year-old Harris is now ranked in the top 230 ITF Junior players – a remarkable achievement given he had returned to the court just four months ago after being sidelined by injury.

National Academy Melbourne coach Simon Rea said the tournament victory was testament to the determination and perseverance of Harris.

“Andrew suffered from stress fractures in his back that severely limited his performance for more than a year,” Rea explained.

“With an appropriate rehabilitation program and minor changes to his technique, as well as the support of his family and the National Academy, he has made a fantastic recovery and is playing great tennis.

“It’s great to see Andrew back on the court, and we hope that he can continue improving his game and this run of successive wins.”

Harris will conclude the year by competing in December Showdown 2010 at Melbourne Park, before setting his sights on breaking into the top 100 ITF junior players in 2011.