Tennis NSW

Juniors claim first ITF title

Kimberly Birrell and Akira Santillan claimed the Sydney Junior International singles titles yesterday at Sydney Olympic Park Tennis Centre, NSW.

Ninth seeded Birrell defeated [6] Pamela Boyanov 6-4 2-6 6-4 to collect her first ITF junior title.

Only last week the 14-year-old took home her first nationals title when she won the Optus 14s Spring Nationals girls’ event.

“It feels amazing. I was really surprised,” said Birrell after her win.

“I played so well at the nationals. I thought it was going to be tough to back it up but I did.

“Pamela definitely had the momentum going into the second set. I was down 2-0 and then after that I found it hard to get back because she was definitely on a roll.

“After the second set I was concentrating on being really positive and trying to move my feet a lot. I don’t think I started playing better, I think my attitude just changed,” added Birrell.

In the boys’ singles final, Santillan was too strong for his doubles partner Oliver Anderson, outclassing him 6-3 6-1 to also win his first ITF junior singles title.

Both players claimed significant victories in the semi finals, dismissing top seed Mitchell Pritchard and second seed Matthew Tanza respectively.

Santillan made it a double victory when he and Anderson defeated Pritchard and Adam Hecimovic to win the boys’ doubles title 6-4 6-2.

Top seeds Danielle Wagland and Stephanie Yamada won the girls’ doubles title over [5] Anja Dokic and Katerina Valos 7-5 6-2.

For more information about the ITF junior tour please visit www.tennis.com.au and www.itftennis.com/juniors