Big moment: Winner of the women’s final, Yue Yuan from China, speaks at the presentation, while runner-up Paula Ormaechea of Argentina (far right) can only help but smile.
Formalities: Traralgon Tennis Association president Darryl Higginbotham, men’s runner-up Bjorn Fratangelo of the USA, winner Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic and Latrobe City Mayor Cr Kellie O’Callaghan.
Czech mate as Tomas seals title THE men’s final of the Traralgon ATP Challenger on Sunday saw Tomas Machac of the Czech Republic defeat United States counterpart Bjorn Fratangelo. Machac broke away after a tight first set went to tiebreak, eventually winning 7-6 6-3. The 21-year-old secured victory in just under two hours in front of an appreciative crowd that was treated to high quality tennis by two players who came into the tournament as the fourth and fifth ranked seeds respectively. Power was a feature of the match, as the ball pinged over the net at great speed, and this, coupled with precision placement, was a deciding factor in many points. Fourth seed Machac ended the match with five
aces, while fifth seed Fratangelo fared just as well, nabbing four. Both players saved more than 60 per cent break points, although Machac’s ascendency in second serve points won - 50 to 38 per cent - proved to be decisive. The Czech seemed extremely calm throughout the match, hardly showing any emotion, while there was a great deal of respect shown by Fratangelo, who politely signalled an applauding gesture to his opponent at times following a well-executed shot. Arguably the best return nailed by Machac came when he made ground in the first set to get to a drop shot from Fratangelo that looked a sure bet to be too far away for Machac to get to. As the winning point was secured Machac quickly soaked up the applause of the crowd, before he and Fratangelo were standing solemnly for the presentation. Latrobe City Mayor Kellie O’Callaghan was on
hand for the presentation, and made mention of how tremendous it was to be able to bring world class tennis to the Latrobe Valley. Tennis Australia officials also took the opportunity to congratulate the Traralgon Tennis Association on their organisation, while the association’s president Darryl Higginbotham paid tribute to the work of all volunteers, kitchen staff and ball kids (and even ball parents on occasions) who had made the event run smoothly. Fratangelo was gracious in defeat, saying his opponent deserved victory. “Great job to Tomas, it was a hell of a match, it felt like I was playing seven of you, you’re one of the fastest guys I’ve ever seen,” he said. “It was a great week, organised fantastically. I love this place, it’s a great little town.” Machac, who’s English was understandably limited, said a few words upon accepting the winner’s trophy. “Congratulations on a great match (Fratangelo).
I would like to thank everyone who made this tournament special for me,” he said. IN the women’s ITF final, China’s Yue Yuan defeated Argentinian Paula Ormaechea 6-3 6-2. The 23-year-old won all four of her break points during the final, and controlled most facets of the match. Speaking at the presentation, Yuan said the tournament was good preparation for the Australian Open qualifiers. Ormaechea proved to be a fan favourite, with a number of enthusiastic shouts of “come on!” exclaimed throughout the match, and she generously took the time to sign autographs for ball kids after the match. As both finals wound down, the sense of how great the week had been was seen on the faces of the ball kids, who took one last opportunity to say goodbye to Spanish tournament director Carlos Cuadrado, who judging by how youngsters flocked to him wanting a photo, had clearly made the week a memorable one for them.
Power: Tomas Machac prepares to smoke a forehand return in the men’s final.
Cool: Argentinian Paula Ormaechea came runner-up at the Traralgon International.
Challenge: Men’s runner-up Bjorn Fratangelo of the USA moves in for a return in the final.
Intent: Winner of the women’s final Yue Yuan has eyes firmly on the ball for this backhand.
TENNIS TRARALGON INTERNATIONAL By LIAM DURKIN
photographs liam durkin
Charlton reflects on his hectic schedule
TENNIS TRARALGON INTERNATIONAL By LIAM DURKIN
TRARALGON local Josh Charlton flew the flag for the region at the ATP Challenger event. Charlton received a wildcard into the main draw, and had the honour of playing an internationally recognised event on courts he had grown up on. Although he went down to Argentinian Pedro Cachin, Charlton said he enjoyed reconnecting with the club that had given him his start in the game. “It’s not very often you get to play this level of tennis at your home club, so it is a great opportunity to go out there and compete and just have a lot of fun,” he said. “I think the experience is invaluable. The more opportunities you get at this level the more comfortable you get and the better you play, the more the nerves settle so you can just focus on playing your style of tennis.” Charlton flew back to America on Sunday to
start the college season with the University of Oregon. “I will compete in my college season from January to around early June, then have three months off in the American summer, travel and play a pretty heavy ITF schedule aiming to compete and build a professional ranking and look to progress from there,” he explained. Although the Traralgon ATP event marked the first time Charlton had been back home in a little over 12 months, the man himself said it was great to still have a strong connection with his local club. “It was pretty special to see how many people came out to support, a lot of family and friends and a lot of people I have grown up with around the club for many years, it was really nice to see them come out and support me … I appreciate it a lot,” he said. “There are a lot of people at the club who have had a lot to do with me and helped me along the way. I look forward to growing as a player while being part of the Traralgon Tennis Club.”
Hometown hero: Traralgon Tennis Club’s Josh Charlton was back home recently to compete in the ATP Challenger. photograph liam durkin
The Latrobe Valley Express, Wednesday, 12 January, 2022 — Page 31
