3 October 2023 | Tennis West

Some of WA’s best young talent was on show at the State Tennis Centre as Perth hosted back-to-back ITF Pro Tour Events. 

WA’s Taylah Preston was most dominant over the two-week period. After losing to fellow West Australian Talia Gibson in the Pro Tour #1 Semi Final, Taylah claimed her second ITF 25 singles title winning the Perth pro Tour #2. This makes Preston, who has now won 18 of her past 22 matches on the pro circuit, the youngest Australian to win multiple titles at this level in seven years. 

Preston did not drop a set and defeated three higher-ranked opponents to go on to claim her second career ITF title. Preston also finished runner-up in doubles alongside Talia Gibson. 

Thank you to the Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries.

Other WA players: 

Talia Gibson 

The 19-year-old finished runner-up in both singles events at the ITF 25 tournaments in Perth. It was Gibson’s second consecutive finals appearance on the Australian Pro Tour. Gibson was also a doubles finalist with Taylah Preston. 

Maddison Inglis 

Seeded at 3, Inglis made it to the Pro Tour #2 quarter final, losing to the eventual winner Taylah Preston. Inglis however, won both doubles events with partner Destanee Aiava. 

Lily Fairclough 

The 18-year-old wildcard from WA won both her first round matches but lost in the 2nd round of the Pro Tour #1 to Melisa Ercan and Naho Sato in the Pro Tour #2. 

Jessie Culley 

Part of last season’s Women’s State League team, Culley earned a spot in both events advancing through the qualifying rounds. Culley lost in the first round of the Pro Tour #1 in a tight three set match to Monique Barry and lost in the first round of the Pro Tour #2 to Shrivalli Bhamidipaty. 

Ella Nurkic 

Nurkic featured in the women’s doubles event with partner Jessie Culley. The pair won the first round of doubles in both events but lost in the quarter finals – losing to eventual winners Maddison Inglis and Destanee Aiava.