SA junior Hattingh progresses down under
Ilze Hattingh, South Africa's top junior tennis player, continues to shine at the junior Australian Open in Melbourne, beating Yukina Saigo of Japan 6-3 6-3 on Monday, to move into the third round of the tournament.
FILE PICTURE: Ilze Hattingh of South Africa in action against Chanel Simmonds (RSA) during day 1 of the Soweto Tennis Open from the Arthur Ashe Tennis Centre on May 06, 2013 in Soweto, South Africa. (Photo by Reg Caldecott/Gallo Images).
“I was a bit nervous today.” the 17-year-old said after her victory.
“I knew I could beat Yukina. Although nervous, I also felt confident going onto court. Near the end I just said ‘believe in yourself, you are here for a reason, keep calm'”.
Hattingh, the only South African junior represented at the championships, never gave her opponent a chance to settle into the match.
“My serve really pulled me through today and I played aggressive tennis right through the match.”
Despite struggling with influenza, the Pretoria-based player, formally from Durban remained positive for her third round.
“I am super excited. I have a bit of flu, but luckily it doesn’t affect me on the court. I put my mind ahead of the flu.”
Hattingh will now face tenth seed Anastasiya Komardina of Russia on Tuesday.
“I know Anastasiya. We have not played each other before but I have watched her and she is a great striker of the ball. It is going to be tough but I am really looking forward to the match.”
Hattingh is coached by South African Davis and Fed Cup captain John-Laffnie de Jager.
– Sapa
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