7 December 2017 | Tennis Victoria

Last week, the Victorian Hardcourt Championships were held at Notting Hil / Pinewood Tennis Club.

Victorians Jaimee Fourlis and Josh Charlton made it into the final taking on Jessica Moore and Luke Saville respectively.

It wasn’t to be for Charlton as he was overwhelmed by the more seasoned Saville 6-1 6-0.

However, 2017 Australian Open wildcard recipient, Fourlis, saluted with a strong win against Tennis Victoria Premier League teammate, Moore 6-1 6-4.

Following the match, Fourlis – this year’s winner of the Victorian Junior Athlete of the Year (Female) – expressed her joy on claiming the title but has her eyes firmly fixed on next year’s opening Grand Slam.

“I definitely think to do well at the 18s Nationals and hopefully the wildcard playoff, it would be great to get that opportunity to play Aussie Open again,” Fourlis said.

“I haven’t played that many matches this year so to come out and to play four really touch singles of great quality was awesome.

“I think to play some WTAs this year I have the opportunity to improve my game and work really hard and to see where my level’s at against the older girls,” she said.

On hand to assist in the official presentations was 1987 Victorian Hardcourt Championships winner, Danielle Jones.

Jones was astounded by the professionalism of the current generation and took time to reminisce about her experiences at the event.

“The talent … showed me how professional the girls are on and off the court and I look forward to watching their (Fourlis and Moore) results in the future,” Jones said.

“I remember I was 17 years old and we played indoors at Mountainvale on synthetic grass and many slice serves and backhands were used. I also won the mixed doubles with Andrew Florent that year.”

Players now set their sights on Melbourne Park with the December Showdown in full swing. For more information about Tennis Australia’s December Showdown, click here.