Katherine Hui18, reached the title of champion by defeating the number 9 seed Tereza Valentova, in the women’s singles final of the final of the US Open Junior by 6-4, 6-4.
In this way, women’s tennis USA had a double celebration this Saturday after the victory of the also teenager Coco Gauff, about Aryna Sabalenkain the women’s division of the last Grand Slam of the season that closes this Sunday with the final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev.
Hui, 18, from San Diego, California, had six match points before closing out and becoming champion. However, the Czech Valentova put up great resistance, saving eight of 13 break points and breaking Hui three times.
Valentova was consistent with her returns, making 81% of them in play. However, Hui had a slightly higher serve percentage and ability to win her serve, which helped the 2023 USTA Women’s National 18s Championship finalist take home the trophy in her final junior tournament.
Hui took the court for her final while at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Coco Gauff played the final against Aryna Sabalenka. Hearing the deafening noise from the stadium, Hui knew that Coco was winning and said, that cheered her up until she had to start her own match with Valentova.
“I heard very loud roars, so I assumed she had won. Yes, she became stronger and stronger. I heard a cheer and thought she had won,” Hui said.
“Coco is obviously a big inspiration to me. Being so young and achieving so much with so much pressure is incredible,” added Hui.
US Open junior champion is Brazilian
Meanwhile, the number 7 seed Joao Fonseca from Brazil, defeated the American Learner Tien4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
The player from Rio de Janeiro was crowned junior champion, preventing the American teenagers from sweeping the titles.
The match was of a high level and Fonseca had to fight intensely to come back from a set disadvantage and saved 11 of the 15 break points he faced. He also got 79% of the returns from him and fired 41 winners and six aces.
Before arriving in Queens, Fonseca had reached the junior quarterfinals at the Australian Openthat of France and in Wimbledon and precisely fell before Tien in Roland Garrosbut I had never gotten past that stage.
“When I went to the quarterfinals this time, I thought I didn’t want to lose in the quarterfinals again. I knew it was going to be a great game. I think it was one of the most difficult games of my life because of the sun, because of the pressure, because of everything else. After the match, I knew I had the skills and mental strength to win this tournament,” Fonseca said at the end of the match.
