Canberra ACT, Australia, 1 April 2018 | David Packman

Jaimee Fourlis has claimed her first USD$25,000 ITF Pro Circuit title in two years and her second overall after defeating hitting partner Ellen Perez in Sunday’s ACT Claycourt International #2 final.

The Victorian teenager proved too strong from the outset, breaking Perez in the second game of the match and holding sway to win 6-3 6-2 in 69 minutes.

“It feels really good,” Fourlis said. “I had a great week and I’m really happy to be lifting up the trophy at the end of it.”

“I think I composed myself really well today. I stuck to my guns mentally, played really strong and trusted myself out there to really fight for every point. I knew I had to come out firing, she’s a great opponent.

“I was expecting everything to come at me today so I knew I had to just stay really positive.”

Fourlis said it was a bit different to play against a good friend. “Of course, when we both entered the court it was normal business for us but at the same time it was strange looking on the other side and seeing someone you know and you train with every day,” she said.

“I’m sure we’ll play each other a couple more times as we travel together through Europe and play in the same tournaments. This is just the start.”

The Victorian said the title win gives her a boost of confidence as well as a world ranking improvement. “It’s good to know that I’m playing some good tennis and now I can take that and head to Europe with that in my back pocket.”

Fourlis and Perez travel to Europe together for a series of ITF Pro Circuit and WTA Tour events, before hopefully heading to Roland Garros to play qualifying.

“Who knows, if I have my ranking down by then, French qualifying would be unbelievable,” Fourlis said.

In the women’s doubles final, Queenslander Kaylah McPhee combined with Irina Fetecau of Romania to win her maiden ITF Pro Circuit doubles title after the pair edged out fourth seeds Pia Konig of Austria and Japan’s Michika Ozeki 6-1 4-6 [10-5].

Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.