Chris O’Connell has won his second ITF Futures title after winning an exciting final against Blake Mott at the Nyrstar Port Pirie Tennis International. O’Connell saved four set points in the first set tiebreak to eventually win the breaker 8-6. Mott rallied in the second and after breaking early was able to hold on and take the set 6-3. The crowd was on edge in the final set as O’Connell shot out of the blocks early, Mott tried to turn the momentum but O’Connell continued to be too strong on both sides and served out the match to win 7-6 (8) 3-6 6-2.
The title will give O’Connell a nice boost in ranking going into an important year in his career. For Mott, it was another impressive week in what has been a very strong start to 2016.
Austrian Barbara Haas won her ninth ITF Futures title after overcoming in form Australian Arina Rodionova in a titanic battle that lasted almost three hours. Haas won a tight first set 6-4 before Rodionova battled her way back to level the match after taking the second set 7-5.
The third and final set was a thrilling affair with long rallies throughout. Haas was able to get on top with some strong forehands setting up points and eventually the Austrian took the title 6-4 5-7 6-4.
For Rodionova, it was a disappointing end to a great fortnight which will set her up for run at the top 100 in 2016. For Austrian Barabara Haas it seems the sky is the limit as she also looks to get into bigger events and possibly a move into the top 100 in the world in 2016.
Thank you to the people of Port Pirie for their fantastic hospitality and hard work to deliver another great Australian Pro Tour in Port Pirie. The support of event sponsors Nyrstar and Port Pirie Regional Council is greatly appreciated and integral to running of this event.
Latest
SA