10 December 2012 | Tennis Victoria

Victorian juniors have again proved their force at a national level, with a number of athletes having outstanding tournaments at the December Showdown.

Destanee Aiavia (Narre Warren) solidified her reputation as one of the rising stars in Australian tennis claiming both the singles and doubles crowns during the 2012 Optus 14s Australian Championships.

“Destanee has really shown that she is one of the best junior tennis players in Australia with another impressive tournament and we are really excited about her future,” said Tennis Victoria’s Executive Manager of Tennis Operations Nick Hinnenberg.

“She claimed the 12/u championship at least year’s December Showdown and she was also a nominee for the Junior Athlete of the Year at the recent Newcombe Medal Australian Tennis Awards, so this has really capped off a stellar year for Destanee.”

The twelve-year-old third seed Aiava defeated Seone Mendez (NSW) 6-3 6-3 in the final, before teaming up with Nicole Kraemer (SA) to overcome fellow Victorian Michelle Pits (Ormond,Vic) and her partner Maddison Inglis (WA) 6-1 in the final.

Richard Yang (Lower Templestowe,Vic) capped off an impressive year, reaching the final of the 14s boys championships. Unfortunately, New South Welshman Max Purcell was too strong, prevailing 6-4 6-3.

In the 14s boys’ doubles event, it was another Victorian in Michael Commings (Thornbury) who teamed up with Alex De Minaur (NSW) to reach the final.

In the 18s event, No.1 seed Azra Hadzic (Keysborough) progressed through to the final off the back of some strong performances, but she couldn’t get past Abbie Myers (NSW) in the final. The final score was 6-4 6-3.

Hinnenberg said it was another highly successful tournament for Victorian players and he was proud of all the players involved.

“We have re-enforced Victoria’s reputation as a powerhouse in the junior ranks and I am really looking forward to the remainder of the December Showdown.”

The December Showdown continues today, with the first round of the men’s Australian Open Playoff and the first day of qualifying for the Optus 16s Australian Championships and the first round of the Optus 12s Australian Teams Championships.

No.1 seed Sam Groth, Andrew Whittington, John Peers and Jacob Grills will all be in action today at Melbourne Park, with the winner of the tournament receiving a wildcard into the main draw of the Australian Open. Live streaming of the Playoff matches on Court 6 can be found on www.tennis.com.au and you can also follow live scores via http://tournaments.tennis.com.au

The women’s playoffs begin tomorrow.