Three of Dorset’s upcoming tennis prospects shone at the recent Grade Two Nottingham Junior Open in the Green age group. Toby Samuel finished as runner-up after a terrific run through the tournament, whilst Luca McManus came fourth with Alex Knox-Jones in ninth.
Samuel dropped just seven games in his three matches on the way to the final, including a 5-3, 4-1 semi-final win over McManus, and was in good shape going into his match with Connor Ferguson, Oxfordshire. The final was a rollercoaster ride with both players sharing the first two sets, meaning the title would be won via a champion’s tie-break.
Both of the youngsters were playing well, but Samuel was unable to stay in touch with his opponent as they reached the ‘business end’ of the breaker. Ferguson edged ahead and did just enough to take the decider 10-7 on points, winning the match and the tournament.
McManus showed great resilience in his first two matches, he stayed strong when under pressure from opponents by winning some close matches, 5-3, 4-2 in the first round and 5-4 (4), 4-1 in the quarter-finals. Despite his great play, he was unable to stop Samuel in the semi-finals. Despite the set-back, McManus rallied and went on to win the 3rd/4th place playoff, 5-4 (3), 4-1.
Knox-Jones suffered defeat in the first round of the main draw, but showed his strength by winning the consolation draw, edging an epic final 2-4, 4-2, 1-0 (10). The win ensured him a 9th place finish in the tournament overall.
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By Harry Lund