Wanborough’s Louise Hunt has finalised her preparations for representing Great Britain in the upcoming BNP Paribas World Team Cup by winning her second international doubles title of the season in Israel.
Hunt partnered Dutchwoman Sharon Walraven to win the women’s doubles at the Israel open in Tel Aviv, the same tournament where the British No. 3 won the singles and doubles in 2012 to ensure her qualification for the London Paralympic Games. The duo justified top seeding and dropped just two games en route to the title, outclassing German second seeds Katharina Kruger and Bianca Osterer in the final 6-0, 6-1 in the final.
After a first round bye world No. 18 Hunt made a fine start to her women’s singles challenge, recovering from a set down to beat French third seed Charlotte Famin 2-6, 6-3, 6-2. Hunt made a much brighter start to her semi-final against world No. 9 Kruger, but a second career win over the German top seed proved elusive as Kruger advance to the final 1-6, 6-2, 6-1.
“It’s first time I have played with Sharon at this tournament, and I loved it. We really connected well as a pair on court,” said Hunt. “Of course I am disappointed I lost to Kruger, but in my quarter final I beat the world No. 14, who I’d have never beaten before, so that’s a good result for me, especially going into the World Team Cup.”
After winning a collection of silver and bronze medals in recent years whilst representing Great Britain in the World Team Cup, Hunt has again been selected by the Tennis Foundation for this year’s event, which takes place in Alphen, the Netherlands, from 26 May until 1 June. The Wilshire player is named in a three-strong team alongside British No. 1 Jordanne Whiley and British No. 2 Lucy Shuker to form the same trio of players who reached the women’s final of the women’s event for the second time in four years in 2013.
“I am so excited for this year’s World Team Cup as it will be my tenth,” said Hunt. “All the team have put in some good performances this season and we’re looking forward to it all coming together in Holland.”