Canberra’s Annerly Poulos has won the 16/u Australian Championships singles title at the December Showdown. The 14 year old came through qualifying and defeated four seeds on her way to the title. As a result of the victory, Poulos has earned a wildcard into the Australian Open 2018 Girls Singles.
After winning her opening round of main draw, Poulos came through an epic three set match against second seed Olivia Gadecki (QLD) winning 6-2 2-6 7-6 in two hours and twenty eight minutes. She then defeated eight seed Helena Spiridis (VIC) in the quarterfinals before overcoming second seed Amber Marshall (SA) in the semifinal.
Poulos proved too strong for fifth seed Zara Brankovic (NSW) winning the final 6-0 6-2. Poulos said staying relaxed on court was key to her success.
“Before the match I just knew that I had to be relaxed as much as possible so I can play my best because that’s what I fine is best for me, when I’m relaxed during the match. I was just going for my shots, making sure I was doing everything right and everything turned out well in the end and obviously I’m really happy and overjoyed that I won.
Poulos will now have a few weeks break before commencing preparations for the Australian Open 2018 Girls singles.
“I’m definitely going to start off playing Australian Open juniors and hopefully if I do well in that to keep playing pro tours and get harder matches and get better as a player and hopefully that all leads up into junior Grand Slams in the future” she said.
The victory capped off a big few weeks for Poulos, who also made the 14/u Australian Championships singles and doubles finals the week prior.
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