Share

Hattingh into second round

Johannesburg - South Africa's top-ranked junior tennis player Ilze Hattingh started her Australian Open Junior Championships campaign in Melbourne in fine style on Saturday.

The 17-year-old, coached by South African Davis and Fed Cup captain John-Laffnie de Jager upset eighth seed Nina Stojanovik of Serbia 6-2, 6-2 in her opening round.

Stojanovik is the 20 ranked junior in the world and was earmarked as one of the favourites to win the title in Melbourne.

Hattingh will now play Yukina Saigo of Japan in the second round.

She is the only South African junior player represented in the draw of the tournament.

Ranked 76 on the world junior rankings, Hattingh won the doubles at the 2012 African Junior Championships and is a member of the South African Fed Cup team.

"I really enjoyed my match and felt good out there," Hattingh said.

"I was well prepared for Nina and I was determined to give myself the best chance of winning my first round and am glad that I did."

"I told myself to see it as just another match and not to get nervous because when I play on the big stage and get nervous it doesn't go my way."

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2240 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE