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By Citizen Reporter

Journalist


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.


“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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