ERSA Pro Stringer Issue 9 2017 ProStringer_0917_5 web | Page 19

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INDUSTRY NEWS
the inaugural year of the competition. She was understandably delighted with the win, having worked hard in
recent weeks to get ready for the tournament, “I am very happy because I started the year with an injury, and
then I made it made my objective to qualify for this tournament and I really wanted to win it,” she said.
The bronze medal play-off matches saw Igor Kudriashov of Russia beat German Samofalov (UKR) 6-2 1-6 6-2
(Boys 14&U), Jana Kolodynska (BLR) beat Elena Karner (AUT) 6-2 6-1 (Girls 14&U), Lukas Neumayer (AUT) beat
Matas Vasiliauskas (LTU) 6-0 3-6 6-2 (Boys 16&U), and Weronika Baszak (POL) beat Marketa Panackova (CZE)
6-2 7-6(2).
There was consolation for Marketa Panackova in the form of a
special ‘Fair Play’ award, given in appreciation of her outstanding
sportsmanship throughout the weekend. The tournament drew
to a close with an elaborate ceremony at which members of the
organising committee from the host club, ASD Circolo Tennis
Rocco Polimeni, awarded prizes to all of the participants.
Marketa Panackova
The Tennis Europe Junior Masters is a season-ending event for
the elite players of the Tennis Europe Junior Tour, with the top
eight six of the 14 and 16 & Under age categories invited to
compete alongside the European Junior Champion and runner-
up. Former champions of the tournament include stars such as
Alexander Zverev (2011), Rafael Nadal (2000) and Kim Clijsters
(1997).
New format for the Davis Cup Zone Group I and II
The International Tennis Federation has announced that the
2018 Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Zone Group I and II ties will trial a
new two-day format, with bestof-three-set matches. The format
change is in addition to a series of other previously announced
reforms, including a reduction of pre-tie commitments for players,
finalists (also in Fed Cup) being given the choice of hosting their
first round tie in the following year, and a reduction of practice
court requirements.
Grand Slam rules changes for 2018
The Grand Slam Board has announced a series of planned changes to rules and regulations, due to take effect in
time for the 2018 season. They include stricter enforcement of warm-up times, the possibility of fines for players
retiring during first round matches, and a return to 16 seeds (scheduled for 2019).
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