24 November 2013 | Tennis Victoria

Round 4 of the ATL Vic Conference brought many surprises with the first being delivered by the Waverley Warriors. Coming up against 2^nd on the ladder MCC Stars, the Warriors were too strong for the Luczak less Stars winning 4-2.

In front of a packed crowd at the National Tennis Centre, Scott Draper was welcomed back to the court after 8 years. Enjoying his time on court Draper said “ATL has brought me back to the court, it’s a wonderful atmosphere here at the NTC and hopefully I’ll be back next week.” In what was nearly the upset of the round, the Tennis World Taipans were level with ladder leaders the Kooyong Classics with 2 rubbers each leading on sets after the singles. The Classics reminded everyone why they’re on top with a strong doubles performance winning both rubbers to win the match 4 rubbers to 2.

The Dingley Dingoes had a strong performance winning their match against the RSY Royals 6 – 0. The strength of Lemke, Wendler, Carroll and Phillips was too much for the RSY Royals who will host tomorrows home Super Round. Dingley have now jumped to second on the ladder.

In the Women’s matches it was a fast serving affair between Ellen Perez (Kooyong Classics) and Masa Jovanovic (Delahey Reckers) with Perez serving three aces in one game to win 4-1 4-1. Samantha Harris (RSY Royals) recovered from a Round 3 loss with a win over Michelle Pits (Frankston Firebirds) on a sudden death deuce point. In true ATL style the match came down to the wire with Harris coming away with the win helping the Royals to a 5-1 win over the Firebirds.

The marathon battle of the day was between Marija Mirkovic (MCC Stars) and Emily Martin (Waverley Warriors) who were first on court for their singles rubber but last off court. In the end Mirkovic was too strong winning 4-2 3-4 4-3.

The last round of the ATL Vic Conference will be played today, Sunday 24 November, at Royal South Yarra Lawn Tennis Club, home of the RSY Royals. Both Men’s and Women’s matches will be played at the one venue as a tough battle will take place to lock in the 1v2 and 3v4 finals spots.

The ATL Vic Conference Finals will be held at the National Tennis Centre from 2pm next Saturday 30 November. Zaidee’s Rainbow Foundation will be the Official Charity Partner of the ATL Vic Conference finals.

With one round left to play there is only one point separating 2^nd and the positions.  All ladders and full results can be found at atl.tennis.com.au