NAOMI CAVADAY WINS PLACE INTO WIMBLEDON MAIN DRAW
Britain’s top junior player, Naomi Cavaday has secured
her place in the main draw of Wimbledon by winning the wildcard
play-off event at Raynes Park today, beating British number
five Jane O’Donoghue 2-6 6-4 6-4. It has been an impressive
week for Cavaday, who on her first grass court event reached
the final round of qualifying at the DFS Classic in Birmingham.
The 17 year old from Chislehurst in Kent, who has a world
ranking of 536, began the match slowly, allowing her experienced
opponent to race to a 4-0 lead, losing the set 2-6. However
Cavaday fought back in the second set and levelled the match
at one set all. The final set began with a break for O’Donoghue,
who went 3-1 up before a spirited fight back from the teenager
and a string of errors from O’Donoghue allowed Cavaday
back into the set. At 4-4 Cavaday held serve, defending a
break point and proceeded to pressurise the O’Donoghue
serve, making the most of her chances and clinching the set
6-4 and with it her entry into Wimbledon.
Cavaday commented; “This was a really tough week for
me, the standard was really high. I had to play four three
set matches to win so I’m pretty shattered. The match
today was really hard. Jane served well and I had to take
any opportunities I could. I didn’t play my best tennis
today but I’ve played consistently well all week so
I’m pleased.”
She added; “I love grass so far and I’ve had
a pretty good record on it. It was great to beat Amanda Keen
who is a really experienced player, she plays a great serve
and volley game and I just had to be patient and play to my
own strengths.”
Naomi is now looking forward to a well deserved rest before
turning her attention to Wimbledon. “I can’t wait.
It’s brilliant. I can’t really believe that I’m
going to be playing there yet, it hasn’t sunk in but
I’m sure it will this evening.”
Naomi will be joined the women’s main draw at Wimbledon
by Anne Keothavong, Katie O’Brien, Sarah Borwell, and
Melanie South.
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