5 February 2024 | Tennis Tasmania
In a gripping women’s singles final, Australia’s own Priscilla Hon, seeded second, faced off against Japan’s Sara Saito. The match, played under perfect conditions in front of an enthusiastic crowd, began with Hon taking a quick 3-1 lead. Saito, showing her resilience, fought back to even the score at 3-3. However, Hon’s blend of power and tactical play saw her surge ahead, taking the first set 6-3. In the second set, Hon was unstoppable, clinching it with a commanding 6-0 scoreline, leaving the Japanese teen struggling to find an answer. This victory marks Hon’s 10th career ITF singles title and her first at the $75K level, elevating her to world No.201.
The men’s singles final was no less thrilling, featuring Australians Omar Jasika and Alex Bolt. Jasika, aiming to become a dual champion following his 2017 victory, started strongly, quickly gaining a 3-1 lead. The first set ended 6-3 in his favour after just 23 minutes. The second set was more evenly matched, leading to a tie-breaker won decisively by Bolt, 7-2. The final set, charged with tension, saw Jasika earn his victory on his fourth match point, winning 6-3 to the applause of the captivated audience. Jasika’s triumph is particularly moving as he revisits the glory of his 2017 win, expecting a significant jump in his ranking to around 230.
In men’s doubles, the top-seeded duo of Alex Bolt and Luke Saville showcased their formidable partnership after overcoming a challenging match against the second seeds, Tristan Schoolkate and Adam Walton, in an all-Australian final. The match, a rollercoaster of skill and willpower, ended with Bolt and Saville triumphing 5-7, 6-3, [12-10].
The women’s doubles saw Erin Routliffe of New Zealand, the reigning US Open doubles champion, and her partner Paige Hourigan clinch the title. They defeated the Japanese team of Kyoka Okamura and Ayano Shimizu in a match that was as much about mental strength as it was about skill, with a final score of 7-6(5), 6-4.
The Burnie International 2024 was a showcase of exceptional talent and sportsmanship, setting a high bar for the rest of the Australian Pro Tour. As the tour continues with back-to-back events in Burnie, the tennis world eagerly anticipates more thrilling matches and inspiring performances.
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