Young Potchefstroom tennis sensation, Reuben de Klerk, showed his mettle at the J100 International Tennis Federation (ITF) event in Potchefstroom at the NWU Fanie du Toit Sport Grounds from 27 February to 3 March.
De Klerk from the Riaan Venter Tennis Academy, played against other top international players and shone on home soil to reach the final against Frenchman, Hugo Soares, the 4th seed.
Photos: Gladene van der Linde – El Shaddai Fotografie.
De Klerk lost 6-7, 3-6, but can be proud of his overall efforts in the week.
In the first round he beat Nicolas Robert (France) 5-7, 7-5, 6-4, in a tough battle after going down by one set. The second round match against Benedict Badza of Zimbabwe was another come from behind victory. This time by a score of 4-6, 6-4, 6-3.
He next met fellow countryman and qualifier, Siyabonga Jaca and has an easier two set-victory by 7-5, 6-3.
The semi-final was next for De Klerk, and once again he had to dig deep. Going down 3-6 in the first set, he had to regroup and bring the heat against Australia’s Hugh Winter. With the sun blazing, he soon melted Winter’s chances with 6-4 win in the second set, before taking the third 6-1 to romp home into the final.
Soares though took the crown with De Klerk coming close to a memorable tournament win.
De Klerk celebrated his 16th birthday during the event and truly showcased his growing maturity against some top seeded players.
It was definitely a sweet 16 for De Klerk picking up a well-deserved runners up spot at this prestigious ITF event.
