22 September 2024 | Tennis West

West Aussie Talia Gibson is through to the Perth International ITF W75 #2 for the second straight week after defeating fellow West Aussie Maddison Inglis in a tight three set match. 

The match was a replay of the Perth International ITF W75 #1 final last week when Gibson prevailed in three sets.

The match was evenly contested in the first set, with both players serving well and trading blows. Both players had the opportunity to take the first set but it was Gibson who held her nerve, taking the first set in a tie-break.

Gibson took and early 3-0 lead in the second set and the match looked like it would be over soon, however Inglis responded by winning eight consecutive points at one point to take the second set 6-4.

Inglis continued her momentum in the third set taking an early 2-0 lead but it was Gibson’s turn to control momentum, the key being her first serves, winning 79% of first serves in the final set. Gibson would end up winning 7-5 4-6 6-4.

Japan’s Eri Shimizu was also victorious in the singles semi-final, overcoming Australian Elena Micic in straight sets.

The match also went a similar way with both players trading blows before Shimizu broke Micic’s serve to end up winning the first set 7-5.

Shimizu continued her form in the second set and took a 5-1 lead before Micic doug deep to hold on. Shimizu had six match points before finally taking the second set 6-3 and advancing to the final.

After failing to advance from the first round of the Perth International ITF W75 #1, Shimizu defeated third seed Aoi Ito and sixth seed Ankita Raina on her way to the final. Last weeks winner Gibson continued her form but was challenged in parts, dropping a set to Ayumi Koshiishi and Maddison Inglis.

The final is set to start at 11 AM tomorrow at the State Tennis Centre. Free entry for all spectators and the cafe will be open.

The doubles final was scheduled to be played today but an ankle injury to Naiktha Bains in warm up meant she could not play resulting in a walkover. Japanese pair Misaki Matsuda and Sakura Hosogi were crowned winners.

The Women’s ITF World Tennis Tour provides the entry level of professional tournaments, enabling players to reach the higher-level tournaments on the WTA tour.

This year the total prize pool has been increased from $25,000USD to $60,000USD while also offering more WTA world ranking points.