Boys & Girls: Wimbledon under 14 Invitational Singles, grass (week 28)

Var · Club Coach

Boys & Girls: Wimbledon under 14 Invitational Singles, grass (week 28)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Without wanting to put any dampener on it, it's worth remembering that Hannah Klugman is also eligible for this category. And Mika is only 2 weeks out. So the level of Hollie in particular, say, has to be viewed with this in mind

Also, the top Russian 2009-born players didn't come - probably because they weren't invited. (Nor the top Romanian girl, Popa)

But, as said, this is not to detract in any way from what Hollie has achieved - all the best to both of them tomorrow !

And Hollie can also take heart from the fact that Mika played this U14 event last year and didn't do very well - didn't qualify from the group stage, let alone win her semi. And look where she was one year later in the main juniors

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Saturday 15th of July 2023 05:54:00 PM

DavidC · Tennis legend

Both finals are set for 11am tomorrow - Mark on court 18 and Hollie on court 4. Mark takes on the 2021 Orange Bowl U12 champion Svit Suljic. Colette from Zootennis watched Svit playing Leo and commented " a riveting match between No. 3 seed Svit Suljic of Slovenia and unseeded Leo Wright of Great Britain the highlight of the day" referring to the under 14 matches which took place indoors yesterday

Boys Final

(1) Mark Ceban v (3) Svit Suljic (SLO)

Girls Final

(5) Luna Vujovic (SRB) v (4) Hollie Smart

9vicman · Strong Club Player

For someone additional context, there isa Category 1 Tennis Europe Under 14 event in Paris this week which has strong entries from other countries.

DavidC · Tennis legend

Coup Droit wrote:
Without wanting to put any dampener on it, it's worth remembering that Hannah Klugman is also eligible for this category. And Mika is only 2 weeks out. So the level of Hollie in particular, say, has to be viewed with this in mind

Also, the top Russian 2009-born players didn't come - probably because they weren't invited. (Nor the top Romanian girl, Popa)

But, as said, this is not to detract in any way from what Hollie has achieved - all the best to both of them tomorrow !

And Hollie can also take heart from the fact that Mika played this U14 event last year and didn't do very well - didn't qualify from the group stage, let alone win her semi. And look where she was one year later in the main juniors

-- Edited by Coup Droit on Saturday 15th of July 2023 05:54:00 PM

Another key factor for the girls are that a few of the top 2009s have stopped playing under 14 events by this time, as they are able to progress quite nicely in ITF under 18s Also Wimbledon is a week later, and immediately preceding the European under14 championships this time. Seven of the top 8 in the current TE14 rankings are playing that event (Efremova being the exception, playing under 18 events now), but only 2 of the 8 are here (Hollie and one of the Czech girls). Nevertheless there are plenty of strong under 14s here including the top ranked Americans, so well done to Hollie for coming through the field to reach the final.

Quite different for the boys where the top ranked 2009 ITF is outside the top 500 (an Indian boy), and he played here as second seed, and most of the top European boys are here, so Mark's success reflects his current standing within under 14 tennis.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Yes, big difference in the girls and boys, I agree.

I know that some Russian forumites elsewhere have been complaining like mad that their players weren't invited. Although I don't know as a fact it's true (as opposed to maybe being invited and choosing not to come). But my guess is that someone like Efremova would have been here like a flash if she were invited so it probably is.

I noted that Popa was in the team event just before. It's a big ask to change surfaces to grass so quickly.

Definitely a particulalry strong boys' event.

Good luck to both our finalists

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Not to be for Hollie.

She was well beaten by a better player.

But an excellent week for her. What an experience. Congrats.

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Super match by Mark.
Quite tight in the first set.
He broke, got broken back, and the TB was ultra tight
But he deserved it.
And cruised a bit more in the second
Strong serves. And forehand. Made himself concentrate when he needed to.
Really pleased for him. Do like this lad....

DavidC · Tennis legend

But Mark comes through winning 7-6(5) 6-3, serving out with aplomb Apparently Sasha Zverev is a player he particularly admires - I hope that is just the physical aspects of his game rather than the mental side or off-court behaviour

Rich2310 · Club Coach

Congratulations Mark Ceban.
He looked superb and composed.
There is just something about him that makes you a little excited for his future.
I hope he is given the time and space to keep growing as a player.
It was a pleasure to watch that match and the presentation and interview afterwards.
All a learning curve and handled so well.
Look forward to following his progress.

JonH comes home · Tennis legend

Great work by Mark, great start to his career!

twentytoone · Lower Club Player

DavidC wrote:
But Mark comes through winning 7-6(5) 6-3, serving out with aplomb Apparently Sasha Zverev is a player he particularly admires - I hope that is just the physical aspects of his game rather than the mental side or off-court behaviour

Hasnt been found guilty of anything off court. all a bunch of hearsay

dodrade · Satellite level

Coup Droit wrote:
Not to be for Hollie.

She was well beaten by a better player.

But an excellent week for her. What an experience. Congrats.

She did seem to get upset in the second set as the match got away from her.