Charlotte Kempenaers-Pocz (Glengowrie, SA) and Alexander Despoja (Hawthorndene, SA) are Australian Champions, after taking out their respective 18/u and 14/u singles titles at Melbourne Park this weekend.
Fifteen-year-old Kempenaers-Pocz came in to the 18-and-under tournament as a wildcard recipient and made her way to Saturday’s final against fellow South Australian, Natasha Russell, without dropping a set.
In the final, Kempenaers-Pocz lost the opening set 4-6, but came back to take the second set 6-2 before Russell was forced to retire with a back injury.
“I was a bit nervous at the start and Tash was playing extremely well, so I just had to stay in there,” Kempenaers-Pocz said.
“I knew before the match she was struggling a bit with injury, but I didn’t think too much of it because she was still hitting a lot of winners.
“(My expectations) weren’t very high. I just wanted to do my best, stay composed, stay strong and play every match as it comes.
“Even being a wildcard, this makes me realise I can still achieve what I want. It’s a big achievement. I didn’t think I’d be doing this at 15, so I’m really happy.”
Kempenaers-Pocz joins world No.1 Ash Barty on the 18-and-under girls’ trophy and has now earned her place in the draw for next week’s Australian Open 2020 Play-off.
In the 14-and-under boys’ championship, second seed Alexander Despoja (SA) overcame top seed Zachary Viiala (WA) 6-3 7-6(6). He joins familiar names such as Todd Woodbridge, John Millman and most recently Alex de Minaur (2013) in winning the 14/u title.
“I didn’t realise that I’d won it … I didn’t know if it was in or not (smiling). It felt really good to get the win, especially off a winner as well,” Despoja said.
“It was pretty crucial to close the match out, because if I lost that set, the third set would have been a lot tougher – Zach would have had a lot of momentum.
“It’s amazing to win, I mean I’m still in shock right now — it’s hasn’t sunk in for me yet.”
Despoja and Viiala then paired up on the same side of the court to take out the 14-and-under boys’ doubles title with a 7-6(2) 6-4 win over second seeds Charlie Camus (ACT) and Pavle Marinkov (NSW).
“We are delighted to congratulate our Australian Champions, Charlotte and Alexander,” Tennis SA CEO, Debbie Sterrey said.
“These results are a reflection hard work, persistence and determination and it is great to see our young players performing so wonderfully on the national stage.
“We also cannot forget the families, coaches and staff who support and work so closely with these players, congratulations to all on a fantastic achievement.”
“Our athletes experiencing success is as a result of a strong private sector that works in continuously with Tennis SA and the National Academy,” National Academy South Australia Head Coach, Milo Bradley said.
“The contribution of the associations, clubs, and private coaches in South Australia are second to none. Together, we are committed to delivering athletes who represent South Australia with good principles and values.
“This is the first time in 15 years that South Australia has had two finalists in the 18-and-under girls’ tournament. With a strong group of South Australian girls coming through the pathway, it is hoped that one day a second South Australian will be able to join our sole Fed Cup representative, Alicia Molik.
“Alex Despoja is the latest South Australian to become a 14-and-under Australian Champion, joining Edward Winter and Edward Vo in recent years. There is a healthy pool of male and female tennis talent emerging, and the future for all is bright.”
Latest
SA