Seeds open in style at Sun City

In the men’s singles, Swedes Jacob Adaktusson and Milos Sekulic, seeded four and five respectively, lost only six games between them in beating their first round opponents.

Adaktusson was an easy 6-2 6-2 winner over South Africa’s Peter Bleach whilst Sekulic needed just 68 minutes to beat another South African JD Malan, the reigning under 16 National Champion 6-0 6-2.

Second seed in the women’s singles Natasha Fourouclas of South Africa made light work of her opening round opponent, fellow South African Jade Pondicas. Fourouclas beat Pondicas 6-0 6-0 and sent out a strong warning that she is at Sun City to take care of some serious business.

“I played a very clinical match. I felt I played well out there today and gave a solid all round no unforced errors performance” said Fourouclas.

“Jade and I are good friends, we train together at the same academy in Bedfordview and in practice she gives me a run for my money but matches are different, I am here on serious business and did business well today.”

Fourouclas said that she was happy to be back in South Africa playing international tennis.

“It’s always good for us local players to come home and play tournaments. These Futures are what we need more of. It gives us pro’s a greater chance and gives great opportunities for our juniors and up and coming players.”

South African Fed Cup player, Ilze Hattingh playing in her last year as a junior was a 6-1 6-1 win over countrywoman Zani Barnard.

It was Hattingh’s first match since February after recovering from a fractured rib. Hattingh now in round two plays Fourouclas which promises to be a mouthwatering encounter.

Lee Barnard, twin sister of Zani gave the Barnard family some joy when she won through to round two beating veteran South African Julie Mansour 6-2 6-3.

Other South African’s to win through to round two on Monday in the men’s singles were Francois Kellerman and in the women’s singles Nadine De Villiers and Caitlin Herb.

– Sapa