While Latrobe Valley’s five ITF International qualifying hopefuls fought valiantly only to fall at the first hurdle last Thursday, the Australian contingent in the main draw has shown promise leading into the Traralgon tournament’s finals phase.
Boys’ second seed Nick Kyrgios powered through to the round of 16, along with countrymen Bradley Mousley and Jay Andrijic, in a diverse field of international competitors.
“There’s 39 countries counted on the list so it’s a fantastic turnout from the teams around the world and they’re all enjoying the competition, (but) it’s getting tougher as the rounds move forward,” tournament director Francis Soyer said.
“Everyone’s enjoying being in Traralgon, the conditions are a little bit friendlier than previous years rather than it being too hot.”
Soyer said the crowds had not been overwhelming as yet, but he hoped to see numbers swell as the tournament moves into the round of 16.
“Being the 20th anniversary, hopefully we’ll see some bigger turnouts later in the week,” he said.
Traralgon’s David Hough, Joseph Colaciello, Sophie Grumley and Amelia Charlton took to the courts for qualifying last Thursday, along with Warragul’s Daniel Axnick, where they found the going tough against some of the world’s best juniors.
“They all played very well but met some very tough players,” Traralgon Tennis Club secretary Susie Grumley said.
The 20th ITF International in Traralgon continues tomorrow from 9am with quarter final action, with finals scheduled for Thursday. All spectators are welcome.
