Boys & Girls: 2024 U14 World Junior Finals, Prostejov, Czech Republic, clay (Week 32)

Oscariyan · Strong Club Player

Boys & Girls: 2024 U14 World Junior Finals, Prostejov, Czech Republic, clay (Week 32)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Oscariyan wrote:
Just watched Megan's match and feel for her because Jana just kept hitting moonballs quite a few times when she was under pressure. I know its fine to do that but can't help but feel Megan actually played more courageous tennis so well done to her!

-- Edited by Oscariyan on Friday 9th of August 2024 11:23:20 AM

Yes, but Jana didn't just hit moonballs - as some do

She used it as a defence tactic - but then she would attack, often with some excellent angles - which is pretty smart. A lot of the really lowly ranked players who go nowhere also play very courageous tennis.

I thought Megan has a bit of a chance in the second set - Jana lost a couple of games on the trot - suddenly it was a lot closer - and she looked a little rattled

But Megan couldn't really make it pay. Some nice tennis. But it never really looked like threatening.

But Megan has grown quite a bit, put on some muscle, looks a lot more athletic now than she did

And she's making excellent progress

Oscariyan · Strong Club Player

Coup Droit wrote:
Oscariyan wrote:
Just watched Megan's match and feel for her because Jana just kept hitting moonballs quite a few times when she was under pressure. I know its fine to do that but can't help but feel Megan actually played more courageous tennis so well done to her!

-- Edited by Oscariyan on Friday 9th of August 2024 11:23:20 AM
Yes, but Jana didn't just hit moonballs - as some do
She used it as a defence tactic - but then she would attack, often with some excellent angles - which is pretty smart. A lot of the really lowly ranked players who go nowhere also play very courageous tennis.
I thought Megan has a bit of a chance in the second set - Jana lost a couple of games on the trot - suddenly it was a lot closer - and she looked a little rattled
But Megan couldn't really make it pay. Some nice tennis. But it never really looked like threatening.
But Megan has grown quite a bit, put on some muscle, looks a lot more athletic now than she did
And she's making excellent progress

Sorry perhaps I came across as a little harsh which wasnt my intention. Thought overall jana was impressive and maybe I was a little bias towards Megan. Good to hear that Megan is more athletic than before and that she seems to have improved.

DavidC · Tennis legend

The girls still have a chance of bronze, but to claim it they will have to beat Austria at the third attempt (having lost in European qualifying as well as in the round robin). Austria lost 2-1 to USA who thus take on Czechia for gold - the most common final match-up in recent years.

SF

(1)Czechia 3 GBR 0

Laura Chlumska beat Daniella Britton 6-4 6-3
Jana Kovackova beat Megan Knight 6-2 6-3
Chlumska/Zajickova beat Britton/Zingg 4-2 4-2

DavidC · Tennis legend

The boys beat Czechia 2-1 (Niall winning 6-2 6-1, Eric 6-1 7-6(2) before Niall/Scott lost a short sets doubles) and play Korea for 5th. USA take on Brazil in the final

Tomorrow the girls are on court 6, which i think is streamed

DavidC · Tennis legend

After 2 losses to Lea Haider-Maurer Dani changes the narrative, and wins comprehensively 6-1 6-3
Stream is here with Megan due to start in a few minutes

DavidC · Tennis legend

The narrative completely changes, as GBR takes third place, with Megan avenging two defeats to Anna Pircher with a 6-1 7-5 success. The title match looks to be going to a deciding doubles. The USA won the second singles, and Jana Kovackova is serving for the match against Welles Newman in the top singles.

DavidC · Tennis legend

The boys finish fifth after defeating Korea 2-0 (Niall won 6-4 6-2, Eric 0-6 6-3 10-7)

Oscariyan · Strong Club Player

Well done girls for getting the bronze medal, thats a good win for Megan in particular!

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Yes, super performances really by both teams - these are the World Finals, after all

Wonderful for them both to finish on a high, getting pretty/very unexpected wins in their final matches

Well done kids !

DavidC · Tennis legend

Jana Kovackova maintained her 100% record in singles and doubles to secure Czechia the girls title for the third year in a row. The USA beat Brazil 2-0 to win the boys event.

GBR has only won this event twice - both boys teams, most recently in 2004 (here's a report with photo including an angelic Dan Evans). The girls have reached the final 3 times most recently in 2012 (Maia Lumsden, Gabi Taylor, Jazzi Plews)

Oscariyan · Strong Club Player

So both the boys and girls were knocked out by the eventual champions which reiterates how well they have done! We really do have a good group of players coming through, excited to see where they play next! :)

-- Edited by Oscariyan on Saturday 10th of August 2024 02:28:18 PM