Kempenaers-Pocz shining in Port Pirie
14-year-old Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz has backed up her qualifying run in Port Pirie, knocking out third seed Jelena Stojanovic to reach the quarterfinals.
Port Pirie, South Australia, 14 February 2019 | Asher Packman
Local players continue to lead the way at the Port Pirie Come.See.Change Tennis International with qualifier Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz again dominating to reach the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
The South Australian 14-year-old has been a revelation this week in her first ITF World Tennis Tour event, once again displaying her powerful game to bundle out fourth seed Jelena Stojanovic 6-0 6-2.
“It’s all very exciting,” Kempenaers-Pocz said about arguably the most important week of her fledgling tennis career. “Playing in the junior Australian Open was pretty big too.”
While she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park, Kempenaers-Pocz is relishing the opportunities being presented. “It’s great getting to play against big players so I can improve my game,” she said. “I think I’m handling it all pretty well. This week I’m just playing well and doing my best.”
Kempenaers-Pocz will face fellow South Australian Natasha Russell – a convincing winner over Tayla Whitehouse – for a maiden semifinal berth.
“I’ll just give it my best shot,” she said.
The local success continued with Amber Marshall defeating third-seeded Kiwi Valentina Ivanov in straight sets. Olivia Ley wasn’t as fortunate, however, falling to Victorian namesake Olivia Symons in three tight sets. Ley will take away confidence after fighting through qualifying and defeating a number of higher-ranked players during the week.
Meanwhile, the tournament’s higher seeds made safe passage through to the quarterfinals, with American top seed, Jennifer Elie, and second seed Lulu Sun of Switzerland recording comprehensive victories.
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