Luke Atkinson had a busy week during the half term holiday, playing in the Harpenden Junior Open. This is a grade 3 tournament, of regional standard & attracting players from North Scotland, Essex, Oxford, Dorset, Hertfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Middlesex, Northants & Cambridgeshire.
In the U16's draw Luke was the no. 1 seed, which can place more pressure on him to play well. His first match was against a lad from Scotland, which although on paper seemed an easy match, can be difficult. Scottish players play less matches for experience, but in fact train an awful lot, therefore their standard of play can be deceiving. Luke played consistently, seeing off his opponent 6/3, 6/4. Next up was a player from Essex, who Luke easily beat 6/1, 6/0. This put Luke into the semi finals against another player from Essex. Having won the first set easily 6/1, Luke's opponent played made far less errors, to take the second set 6/4. This was Luke's first major challenge, but he went up a gear to win the match tiebreak 10/3.
The final was played in gorgeous sunshine on Saturday, on clay. Both boys played extremely well, but on the day Luke edged ahead, taking the title 6/2, 6/1.
The U18's draw saw Luke unseeded, which in turn gave him a tough draw. Luke had to play the No. 2 seed in the quarter finals, in very wet weather which saw the match stopped at a game down to Luke, but about to break back at 15/40. This was very unfortunate for his opponent, as it mean't that he had to come back on court to serve, to stay in the game. The players came back on court, after half an hours rain delay & also to a different court due to the other one being flooded. His opponent double faulted, making the score 5/5. The first set then went onto a set tiebreak at 6/6. Luke went 5/3 down, but managed to take the next 3 points to give him set point. Luke said he couldn't believe he had set point, but kept his cool and aced him to take the first set 7/5. The 2nd set was more plain sailing as Luke turned up the pressure to take the set 6/2 and booking his place in the semi finals.
The semi finals took place on another sunny day, in total contrast to his previous match. Luke's opponent was from Dorset & although he put up a good fight, Luke was too strong and won 6/2, 6/1 to reach his 2nd final!
The U18's final took place after Luke had already taken the U16's title. Luke wasn't expected to take the title, as he was up against the No. 3 seed, after the No. 1 seed was put out in the quarter finals as well. His opponent was again from Dorset, also older & higher rated & Luke being one of the youngest competitors in this age group. The final was again played on clay, in beautiful sunshine. The start of the first set saw the two players level pegging at 2/2. Luke then went 3/2 up and broke his opponents serve to go 5/2 up. However, his opponent then broke back to make the score 5/4 to Luke. This mean't Luke had to serve the set out which he did 6/4. The 2nd set, started off in much the same way, each game going with serve. At 3/3, Luke's opponent didn't take another game, with Luke taking the U18's title 6/4, 6/3.