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11 November 2014 | Tennis Tasmania

After all the dust settled on what was once again a fantastic annual Glenorchy Open it was familiar names once again claiming the prestigious titles in contrasting fashion. In an exciting coup for the sport in Tasmania it was our two highest ranked athletes in Catherine Krueger and Harry Bourchier claiming a combined four Australian Money Tournament events to practically sweep the awards and leave everyone in their shadow. As always the atmosphere and environment held over these few days at the Glenorchy Tennis Club was fantastic with the weather playing its role in a gorgeous weekend of tennis. 

Sixteen year old Taroona resident Catherine Krueger is no stranger to titles in Tasmania. After squeaking through a tense first set tie-break against doubles partner Larn McShane, Krueger was able to roll claiming the next set without the loss of a game to reach her maiden Glenorchy Open final. In the final it was the top seeded and defending champion Danielle Mcintyre who awaited after breezing through her preliminary rounds. In a rivalry spanned over a year now both girls have brought out the best in each other with Krueger edging Mcintyre in a tense three set battle at the Gallipoli Cup in Melbourne. In yet another three set classic it was Krueger who overcame a slow start to claim the final two sets with a few nervous moments towards the end. Krueger claimed “I was so nervous serving for the title and Dani did a great job in making me win the final point. I must have had seven match points before breaking Dani which was a huge relief.” After dropping the singles final Mcintyre and partner Jessie Mount were able to claim a tense third set tie breaker against Krueger and McShane after two sets couldn’t split the deadlock. Finally Kruger made it two from three pairing up with big hitting Richard Wynwood to claim the mixed crown, downing Victorian duo Mario Matejcek and Kelly Martin.

Fresh of a few weeks hitting with rising star Nick Kyrious, Harry Bourchier was always going to be the hot favorite in his own backyard. Fresh of his overseas assault on the ATP Challenger calendar Bourchier steamrolled his opponents, dropping only a handful of games on his way to the title. With his gigantic serve and deft touch Bouchier was insurmountable facing only a slight challenge from second ranked Tasmanian and upcoming talent Daniel Groom. When asked about his final encounter Bourchier recapped “I started quick and kept the roll going and didn’t let him into it at all throughout the match. “The whole tournament went smoothly. You are always working on something.”

Both Krueger and Bourchier now have their sights on the December showdown with the winner of the 18/u title receiving a wildcard into qualifying at the Australian Open. Bourchier will likely be the top seed for the event with Krueger’s recent form putting her right in the mix to vie for her own wildcard.

In 18/u action it was third seeded Sandy Bay resident Remy Lynch claiming a hard fought three set contest over Ben Cawston. Lynch, who has been on the comeback trail most of the year after suffering a serious ankle injury in May is starting to pull everything together as he looks to regain his confidence and ranking.

For Tasmanian Tennis League players the tournament served as a crucial last warm up to the finals rounds this Sunday in Hobart. To view the fixture for this Sunday’s play please click here.

Thanks to all players, parents, organizers and officials for making the 2014 Glenorchy Open another outstanding event. As the sunsets on our AMT calendar we look forward to what awaits with the tantalizing summer of tennis fast approaching.