Italy and Russia crowned champions in Prostejov

Italy boys' and Russia girls' were crowned champions at the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals after they produced commanding performances to defeat Russia and Bulgaria respectively in Saturday’s finals in Prostejov.

The two top seeded nations had looked impressive all week and after battling through tough semi-finals which saw both teams extended to a decisive doubles, they were back to their imperious best in the final, both teams wrapping up victory after the singles matches.

“I think we did a great job in this competition. Yesterday we played semis with Czech Republic and it was a very tough match for us. We lost one set and were 1-4 down in the doubles so to come back from this score and win, it’s a sweet win for sure for us today. Against Bulgaria it was not easy for us and we are very happy to win,” said Russia girls’ captain Aleksandr Krasnorutckii, who was also at the helm in 2018 when Russia last lifted the trophy at the TK Prostejov Club.

That victory featured Erika Andreeva, the older sister of Mirra Andreeva, who has been in great form this week as Russia’s No. 2 player, winning all six of her singles matches. Andreeva overcame a nervy start, which saw her commit three double faults in her opening service game, to defeat Rositsa Dencheva in the first singles match for the loss of just five games.

“My sister won the championships here before so I was thinking I must win this too. She told me to play my game, relax and enjoy it, so I did. I am so happy and proud to have won,” said Andreeva.

Russia’s No. 1 player Alina Korneeva, who was defeated by European Under 14 Champion Tereza Valentova in the semi-finals, returned to winning ways in the final, overcoming Yoana Konstantinova 6-4 6-3 in one hour 32 minutes to give Russia an unassailable 2-0 lead. It was a second win in as many months for Russia over Bulgaria as the two nations also contested the European Summer Cups final.

The boys’ trophy is heading back to Italy for the first time since 2006 after Andrea De Marchi defeated Egor Gorin in straight sets and Federico Cina overcame a spirited challenge from Timofei Derepasko to triumph 6-3 5-7 6-0 and deny Russia the chance of a double victory.

“We are very proud of ourselves for winning this tournament as a team. It’s a great feeling because we played with guys from other continents. We reached the final playing good so we just kept doing it. We enjoyed this moment and will bring this experience with us always in the future,” said third team member Jacopo Vasami.

Czech Republic took third place in both competitions after their girls’ team got the better of Slovakia 2-0 and their boys’ team defeated Germany by the same scoreline.

View final results from the boys' event

View final results from the girls' event