Taylor & Rush crowned National Champions
20th August 2009Lucas Taylor and Lana Rush have been crowned AEGON British Junior National Champions after winning the 12&U boys’ and girls’ singles titles in Bournemouth on Wednesday.
Taylor and Rush secured wins over their doubles partners, Vincent Gillespie and Freya Christie respectively, with whom they teamed up with to win the doubles titles on Tuesday.
Top seeded Taylor, who came through a hard fought three-setter against Bjorn Thomson in the semi-final, defeated Gillespie 6-2 7-6(4).
"It feels really good to have won today. I'm glad I got there in the end because I had five match points during the match which I let go,” said Taylor.
“Vincent played really well and really put the pressure on. When it went to a tie-break it was just really frustrating because I know I should have maybe won some of the earlier points so I was really relieved to win in the end.
“Vincent is my doubles partner but we've played against each other so much that it's not like that affects how we play each other. We both really wanted to win and you could tell by the way neither of us would give up. We both kept fighting so it was a really hard match."
Having not dropped a set all week, Rush, the No.3 seed, continued her impressive form by beating second seed Christie 7-5 6-0.
"I'm really happy that I won the tournament. I won the Under 10s so it's great to be able to do it again. I was delighted with the way I played. I attacked as much as I could and I was consistent throughout the match which is always a good thing,” said Rush.
“It was really hard playing Freya as not only is she my doubles partner but she's also a great friend so I didn't want there to be any bad feelings. We have played each other a few times though so it's not completely new.
“It means so much to have won the trophy - Anne Keothavong was a past winner so I know I'm on the right track to making it as a tennis player. It's been a pretty exhausting week as I made the final in both the singles and doubles. I'll have a week off next week where I can get to relax and see my family but then I'll be straight back into it."
The 16&U event also got under way on Wednesday at Bournemouth’s West Hants Club where the top seeds progressed to the second round.