Top seed Richard Thongoana won the Curro Junior ITF 2 tennis tournament played in Stellenbosch.
Thongoana battled against last week champion and second seed Joshau Howard-Tripp. As expected it was a fierce battle. Thongoana won 7-6, 6-1. It was like the wind was out of Howard-Tripp’s sails after losing the first set, because he had in chances throughout. Thongoana held his nerve in the tight tiebreak and after that it was like he was in cruise control to victory.
“Obviously it was a good win. I really wanted the win because of the intense – and enjoyable – rivalry I have with Josh. He won our last meeting so I really pushed hard for the win today,” said Thongoana. “After losing in the semi-final last week I just said to myself to put it behind me and focus on the next challenge. I obviously wanted to do better, but I did not see the tournament as a failure. I had the best time the past two weeks. I love Stellenbosch and staying at the Stellenbosch Academy of Sport was a great experience. These tournaments have amazing people and a special vibe.”
Adrienn Nagy brought an end to the British domination by beating unseeded Brit and last week’s champion, Holly Fischer 6-4, 6-4 in the girls’ final. It is the first tournament since 2014 that a non-Brit has won the girls’ single’s title. But it is still four tournaments since a South African has won the tournament. Nagy from Hungary was seeded fourth and unlike last week she took control of proceedings with the way she played. Both players conceded their serve on numerous times, but the difference in the end was that Nagy held out on the big points. Her first match point she thought she hit a winner, but it was called out. After a few groans she went back and served an ace for the win.
