There will be an Australian name on the men’s trophy at the Canberra Tennis International after Ben Mitchell (Qld) and Luke Saville (SA) both eased into the title decider today.
In the first semi, Mitchell took on the higher ranked Matt Reid (NSW) but wasted little time in stamping his mark on the match. Mitchell fired down four aces to his opponent’s one to take the first set 6-3. It was more of the same in the second, with the 22-year-old serving out the match 6-2.
Saville, the only seed left in the men’s tournament, took on the red hot Czech Robin Stanek in what was expected to be a real battle. Stanek had been unstoppable on his route to the semis but met his match in Saville. The South Australian converted on five of nine break points and saved four himself to book his spot in the final with a 6-2 6-1 win.
In the women’s event, Kimberly Birrell (Qld) fought back from a set down to push her semifinal against Asia Muhammad (USA) all the way in a marathon three setter. On court for almost two and a half hours, Birrell eventually fell to the American 3-6 7-6(2) 6-2.
Muhammad will face Japanese second seed Eri Hazumi in tomorrow’s final after Hazumi dominated her all-Japanese semifinal against Misa Eguchi, 6-4 6-0.
Hazumi will have the chance to add a singles title to the doubles title she won this evening with Eguchi in one of the longest women’s doubles finals on the Pro Tour this year. The Japanese pair defeated Muhammad and Lauren Embree (USA) 7-6(13) 1-6 14-12 in just under two hours.
The men’s doubles final between Alex Bolt/Andrew Whittington and Brydan Klein/Dane Proppogia will start the day’s play at 11am, with women’s final to follow not before 12.30pm and the men’s final not before 2pm.
Entry to the Canberra Tennis Centre is free with play starting at 11am on Sunday.
Enjoy finals tennis and extra entertainment this weekend with a jumping castle and face painting for the kids or try your luck at Hit the Target and the Capital Hotel Speed Serve competition.
All Order of Play, Draw information and live and completed scores can be found here: tennis.com.au/protour/canberra
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