A pair of interstate talents reigned supreme, while an Echuca starlet tasted success in the women’s doubles in what was an action-packed final day of the 2023 Goulburn Valley Junior and Open Championships.
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Gold Coast native Sahra Dennehy and Tweed Heads talent Brendon Moore clinched the women’s and men’s singles finals respectively on a blustery and sunny day at Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club.
Dennehy defeated her fellow clubmate Laquisa Khan (6-4, 7-6) in a narrow encounter.
Meanwhile, Echuca teenager Isabella Crossman, who suffered a narrow semi-final loss on Tuesday, claimed the women’s doubles title alongside partner Piper Freeman.
Crossman and Freeman saluted over Dennehy and Khan in sublime fashion and chalked up a memorable 6-2, 6-3 triumph.
Moore, who claimed last year’s men’s singles title, defeated Lachlan McFadzean 6-1, 6-2 to secure back-to-back success.
The former ATP professional was far too strong for his younger opponent, with his serve and volley approach wowing onlookers.
It was only fitting that the point to seal his first tournament win of 2023 came via a silky volley that beat the hands of McFadzean.
Moore, a former hitting partner for tennis greats Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, said he was forced to adjust his style of play over the four days in Shepparton.
“It’s a different game on this style of court (grass) it’s all about adjust and adapt to it and take your chances when you get them,” he said.
“Normally I would probably play from the baseline. I’m comfortable with serving and volleying, but the points are shorter, the bounce is lower, it’s a lot quicker — it’s a faster paced game.”
Moore praised the work of organisers and volunteers in getting this year’s Goulburn Valley championships up and running following the devastating floods two months ago.
“Last year when I was here the courts were impeccable and flawless and this year they’re not far off that at all considering the damage that was done to them not long ago,” he said.
Moore, who runs his own tennis academy, joined a throng of interstate travellers in attending the Shepparton event.
He said he was rapt to see some of his pupils perform well over the four-day tournament.
“We bring a crew of about 20 down and do a stint of four tournaments, this is always the first stop, and then it ends with the AO,” Moore said.
“Both the ladies in the women’s final I coach, so it was great to see them doing well.”
Dennehy earned bragging rights over her training partner Khan in what was an energy-sapping final.
Both talents battled the windy conditions, in a final that almost ticked over two hours, but Dennehy’s calmness held her in good stead as she closed out the match in two sets.
“I was actually pretty relaxed honestly which was a bit surprising seeing as I haven’t played on grass since I was 12 ... I didn’t put too much pressure on myself and just went with whatever comes my way,” the 20-year-old said.
“I didn’t get to come last year because I was injured, so I was pretty pumped to come this year.”
Dennehy’s final win was the 10th contest between the pair in tournaments — with Dennehy leading the head-to-head count 9-1.
“We train together and we know each other really well,” Dennehy said.
“It was pretty windy and I just tried to not let that get to me because usually it does. Since I was playing against someone I know I was comfortable and relaxed.”