TEENAGER Alexander De Jong earned the admiration and respect of spectators as his put up a courageous battle against top seed Jade Culph is yesterday’s Australia Day Open final.
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In a high-class end to the men’s tournament at Wagga’s Jim Elphick Tennis Centre, Albury champion Culph took out the $1500 cheque with a 6-2 6-4 victory over rising talent De Jong of Canberra.
Tournament director John Ferguson was impressed with De Jong’s gutsy effort against his older, more experienced rival.
“This was a big effort from Alex,” Ferguson declared.
“Jade is a highly performed,professional tennis player who has won everything there is to win in north-east Victoria and south-east New South Wales.
“He coaches down at the Yarrawonga Lawn Tennis Club.”
Culph, one of the region’s best known tennis names, dominated the first set of the grand final, but a determined De Jong kept his composure to hit back in the second.
“Alex came out firing and came very strongly,” Ferguson said.
“He (Alex) has a very powerful forehand which he was using very well.”
De Jong was leading the second set 4-1 when his star rival upped the anti to swiftly regain control over the contest.
“He (Culph) kicked into gear and his experience was just too much for Alex,” Ferguson said.
“He rattled off five quick games and it was over.”
While Culph was left to celebrate his victory at Wagga’s second-biggest tennis tournament, De Jong could still take plenty of positives away from his memorable campaign.
“Alex had a couple of very good wins, upset wins, to get through to the final,” Ferguson said.
The men’s final was just one of many highlights of the fledgling tournament, which has grown in size and stature since it was introduced to the Tennis Australia calendar last year.
“We expect it will continue to grow in years to come,” Ferguson said.
“We had a great response this year and it will only be bigger next year.”