British prodigy Laura Robson easily prevented a final at the Australian Open Junior tournament between the Pliskova twins. Robson easily beat Karolina, 6-3 6-1. 6th seeded Kristyna only barely escaped Chinese 15-year old Hao Chen Tang, saving one matchpoint in the tie-break in the second set and then go on to win 6-2 in the final set. The boys final will be an encounter between two surprising players, recently converted Australian Sean Berman and 14th seeded Brazilian Tiago Fernandes. Berman defeated 6th seed Marton Fucsovics, while Fernandes survived a second set tie-break to defeat 2nd seeded Frenchman Gianni Mina.

 

Neither player ever played in the final of any junior Grand Slam in the past, so in the early stages of the match nerves will be a definite factor. Comparitively Fernandes has one more big junior title under his belt, but that is not likely to prepare him for a match as huge as this one. For both players a lot will be at stake, since this match can be a launching pad into the big time in tennis. Fernandes seems to hold a slight edge with a greater deal of experience playing in junior Grand Slams, but Berman has clearly shown he is a player that can never be taken for granted.

 

The girls final seems to be a more predictable affair, with Robson, despite her tenders years, holds a far greater amount of experience over 2 year older Karolina Pliskova. Robson already featured in 2 junior Grand Slam finals previously, winning one out of those 2. The Brit also seems to be improving vastly in many departments, in the serving department and her groundstrokes as well. And if the semifinal against twin sister Kristyna is anything to go by, it should be a formality. However, it is still the final of a junior Grand Slam and anything can happen, which is surely what Karolina Pliskova will be hoping for. Pliskova will be looking to follow in the footsteps of the last Czech winner of this tournament, Barbora Strycova, just like Robson, who will be looking to emulate British legend Annabel Croft. 

 

Semifinal boys results Australian Open:

Sean Berman (AUS) d. Marton Fucsovics (HUN,6) 7-6(5) 6-3
Tiago Fernandes (BRA,14) d. Gianni Mina (FRA,2) 4-6 7-6(5) 6-2

 

 

Tiago Fernandes (BRA,14) vs. Sean Berman (AUS)

 

Semifinal girls results Australian Open:

Laura Robson (GBR) d. Kristyna Pliskova (CZE) 6-3 6-1
Karolina Pliskova (CZE,6) d. Hao Chen Tang (CHN) 2-6 7-6(6) 6-2

 

 

Laura Robson (GBR) vs. Karolina Pliskova (CZE)