9 January 2016 | Tennis Victoria

It was a Super Saturday on day two of the Inter-regional Country Championships, with a huge 264 matches played across singles and mixed doubles formats.

Defending champion Matthew Hicks (Barwon) progressed through to the men’s open singles final, after defeating Goulburn’s Luke Dixon 6-1 6-0. Hicks will play Traralgon’s Aiden Fitzgerald in the final.

“Luke was a bit injured so it was a bit hard to play against him in the semi, but I’m feeling pretty good and it’s good to get some matches under the belt,” said Hicks, who in 2015 took home all three singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles.

“I’m a full time coach in Geelong, and I love coming to this event because I coach a lot of the juniors who are here, and it’s a chance to really lead by example. I try to be a good role model for the kids on how to behave and what to eat.

“It’s one of the best events for the year because as a team we always support each other, and it gives the young kids in the 12/u good experience to be able to watch the Open matches,” explained Hicks who hopes to lead the Barwon team to their eighth straight Inter-regional victory.

Hicks will also compete in the final of the men’s open doubles with Adam Lasky against Jarrod Bingham/ Luke Dixon (East Gippsland).

In the Open women’s singles final, 16 year old Olivia Ryan (Barwon) is expecting a tough match against top seed Eliza Long (Loddon Campaspe).

Ryan overcame Loddon’s Jess Hartland (6-1 3-6 10-8) in the semi-final, to give her a finals berth while Long was too strong for Sophie Vickers (6-4 6-2).

“I was expecting to come here and have a few good matches, but not get to the final so it’s surprising but I’m looking forward to it.

“Eliza is a pretty good player, it will be a really tough match but you never know. Tomorrow I will follow the same routine, stay relaxed, not get too anxious and just play my game and see what happens.”

Sunday will also see Ryan compete in the open women’s doubles final, alongside Nicole Mullen. The pair will come up against Loddon Campaspe’s Eliza Long/ Jess Hartland.