Jones’ China triumph makes historical past: “It’s nonetheless a shock to me” | 22 October, 2024 | All Information | Information and Options | Information and Occasions

Following a pair of Grand Slam closing heartaches, Emerson Jones lived as much as her prime seeding for her largest profession title on the ITF Junior World Tour Finals in Chengdu.

Chengdu, China, 22 October 2024 | Dan Imhoff

Emerson Jones is aware of by no means to take large finals with no consideration after developing quick in two Grand Slam deciders this 12 months.

Having created historical past although as the primary Australian ITF Junior World Tour Finals champion in Chengdu on the weekend, it got here as a wholesome reinforcement – albeit with a splash of aid – that this was the place she belonged.

A 6-4 6-4 victory over Czech fifth seed Laura Samson delivered the world’s No.1 junior her largest title of a promising profession, which this season has additionally included trophies on the J300 Traralgon event on residence soil and the J500 occasion in Milan.

Jones was additionally the Australian Open and Wimbledon finalist, the place she fell each occasions to Slovak Renata Jamrichova.

> READ MORE: Emerson and Hayden Jones first siblings to qualify for ITF Junior Finals

“It’s nonetheless a shock to me. I’m fairly happy with myself how I dealt with all the things this week through the shut matches. I’m actually pleased with my outcome,” the 16-year-old advised the ITF.

“I simply attempt to keep aggressive, and I knew what I must do taking part in my very own sport. Mentally, I attempted to be higher as a result of the primary match I wasn’t superb mentally, so I simply tried to choose it up from there.

“Clearly, I wish to attempt to win a closing and I did, so I’m actually happy with that. It’s powerful to make all finals and never win one.”

 

Jones had already joined esteemed firm when she took her place within the discipline of eight earlier than victories over Japan’s Wakana Sonobe, Belgium’s Jeline Vandromme, Chilean Antonia Vergara Rivera and Nice Britain’s Mika Stojsavljevic en path to the ultimate.

Grand Slam champions Marketa Vondrousova, Elena Rybakina, Sofia Kenin and Jelena Ostapenko had contested the ITF Junior Finals, whereas Casper Ruud, Holger Rune, Andrey Rublev, Zheng Qinwen, Taylor Fritz, Leylah Fernandez, Lorenzo Musetti, Marta Kostyuk and Camila Osorio had additionally competed earlier than their profitable skilled transitions.

One particular person by no means quick on wholesome reinforcement all through the season and as Jones drew nearer to her gradual transition to the WTA Tour has been her coach, Dave Taylor, the person who guided Sam Stosur to the 2011 US Open title.

“This week, he’s the one who advised me I have to be aggressive and all the things,” she mentioned. “I simply take his recommendation as a result of I do know that he is aware of precisely what he’s speaking about. I took his recommendation and acquired the outcome.”

>VIEW: ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals attracts and outcomes

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