Czech Republic and USA signal World Junior Tennis intent
Top seeded boys’ teams Czech Republic and USA signalled their trophy-winning intentions by chalking up resounding victories on a rain-affected opening day at the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals in Prostejov.
Hosts Czech Republic, runners-up 12 months ago after being defeated by USA in the final, made a blistering start to proceedings, dismissing Brazil 2-1, as they began their quest for a maiden World Junior Tennis crown in style.
It was a similar story for defending champions and five-time winners USA, who started their title defence by claiming a clean sweep against Thailand as they once again bid for glory on the clay of the TK Plus Arena.
The Czechs had settled matters by the conclusion of the singles as Jakub Mensik defeated Lucas Andrade da Silva 6-1 6-1 and Petr Vojtech overcame Gustavo Tedesco dos Santos 6-2 6-3.
It was a different story in the doubles, however, following an afternoon downpour, as Brazil restored a modicum of pride courtesy of a 6-1 6-1 victory for Da Silva and Dos Santos against Mensik and Lukas Velik. Czech captain Jiri Kulich remained satisfied with his side’s output.
“Given it was the first match, Brazil were difficult opponents – we knew they would be as we know their players and that they're very good on clay," he told itftennis.com. "We expected tough matches and that was the case, but both singles matches were won in two sets so we have to be pleased with that.
“On the whole, it was a very good opening day. The doubles wasn’t so good but it was after the rain and perhaps we were a little bit relaxed. It wasn’t easy to concentrate after the delay. I’m not happy with it but perhaps they were caught a little bit by surprise – Brazil played well. It happens.”
USA, meanwhile, were in ruthless form as they overcame Thailand 3-0. Dylan Charlap suffered a minor wobble but stormed through the final set to beat Suphawat Sae-Oui 6-3 3-6 6-1, while Kyle Kang defeated Rajata Thamcharoensatit 6-3 6-4.
In a match which concluded on Court No. 9 following the afternoon rain delay, Charlap and Nishesh Basavareddy dispatched Sae-Oui and Thamcharoensatit 7-5 6-3 in the doubles.
“I’m very happy,” said Charlap. “I had a tough three-setter in singles this morning so I was glad to get through that. It’s been a case of late night doubles due to the rain delay but I’m pleased to come through and I’m ready to attack the day tomorrow.
“It was a really fun experience to play on the main court. I’m thoroughly enjoying my first international team experience, which started with the Opening Ceremony. Our results today have given us plenty of confidence.”
Elsewhere, there were victories for No. 3 seeds Japan over Canada and Argentina, who are the fourth seeds here, against Peru in what proved a titanic South American battle.
Indded, all the seeded teams negotiated the opening day unscathed as France, Bulgaria, Australia and Croatia also registered wins over Eygpt, Germany, Romania and China respectively.