The Novikov Cup in Sergiev Posad (RUS) was just the fifth 12 & Under event of the season, but eventual boys winner Artem Dubrivnyy is already looking to be one of the players to beat. Having also won in Auray last month, he recorded his eleventh straight win on the 12 & Under circuit to beat Russian compatriot Nikolay Vylegzhanin for the singles title, having earlier teamed up with Timur Chelmodeev to take the doubles trophy.
All of the girls' finalists were Russian too, and Polina Golubovskaya came just short of a title sweep. After teaming with Ekaterina Kazionova to win the doubles title on the Saturday, she fell short against the in-form Sofya Zhuk in the singles final, in which Zhuk conceded just six games.
The 16 & Under AEGON Junior International in London proved to be a great event for home players, with Brits accounting for all final spots. Shakeel Manji recorded his first Tennis Europe Junior tour title by upsetting second seed Julian Cash 6-1 1-6 6-0. Cash had earlier teamed with Christopher Egan Morriss to win their second doubles title of the season. Kyra Akinnibi was a double winner in the girls’ event, beating Nicole Shaknazarova for the singles title before claiming the doubles title with Ceire Mullins.
Last week saw the Category 3 Kvarner Junior Open, a 64-draw 16 & Under event in Rijeka, Croatia. There was a surprise winner of the boys event, as qualifier Matteo Scotto di Uccio (pictured) of Italy blasted his way through the draw. Ranked just #595 at the start of the event, Scotto di Uccio upset second seed Neven Krivokuca (CRO) in the third round before going on to a marathon final against fourth seed Robert Dula (CRO), coming from behind to win 6-7(2) 7-6 (3) 7-5 to take his first title on the Tennis Europe Junior Tour. He shoots a massive 311 places up the rankings this week as a result.
The girls’ title went to the more experienced Ana Konjuh, who was playing her second final in three weeks. She beat Slovenia’s Eva Zagorac for the loss of just two games to win her first title on the 16 & Under circuit, adding to the three 14 & Under events she won in 2010. Top seeds Jana Fett (CRO) and Damira Muminovic (BIH) took the doubles title with a win over Konjuh and Croatian compatriot Tea Jandric.
Points have also been added for the ITF/Tennis Europe Development Championships, two consecutive Category 2 events for players from developing nations, held at the end of March. Two players dominated the tournaments, and have seen their performances reflected in career high rankings. Kenneth Raisma (EST) won both events, beating Arturs Lazdins (LAT) for the first title and compatriot Robin Klettenberg for the second. With three titles so far this season, Raisma leads the Tour in terms of match victories, having amassed a 31-3 win/loss record, and rises to a new high of #9, the only new entry to the Top Ten this week.
In the girls events, top seed Iryna Shymanovic (BLR) was unstoppable, beating Dessislava Zlateva (BUL) in week one and Anastasia Fedoryshyn (UKR) in week two to consolidate her place at seventh in the rankings.
The Tour really swings into life this week, with five 14 & Under and two 16 & Under events being staged across Europe, including the Category 1 14 & Under event in Maia (POR).