Randburg Tennis Club player Marjan Japarov has claimed the Women’s GE Super 8 Tournament title, capping what she calls her best result yet, after a tense run through the draw that included a gruelling semi-final battle.

Japarov said she enjoyed a smooth passage to the last four, but knew the tone of the tournament would shift once she reached that stage. “I had a very comfortable run until the semis. I knew that I had to start well in that match, because my opponent would be tough and bring out a high level of tennis.
“I think when I won that match, I knew that I had a chance to win the tournament. The toughest match I played was my semi-finals, and I think my mental strength and serve turned it in my favour,” she said.

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Reflecting on the achievement, Japarov rated it above anything she has produced before. “I would say this win is probably my best result so far, compared to my previous results.”

In the final she faced Kristin Woodcock, and went in with a simple approach. “My game plan going in was to focus on my game, to play freely and with confidence.”

With the win behind her, attention now turns to the Gauteng Central (GC) leg of the season. Japarov said she is not making any major changes to her preparation. “I am still doing the same routine and trying to improve the small things.”

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She is, however, carrying more self-belief into the next event. “I’m definitely going into GC with more confidence, since I know what level of tennis I can produce and that I’m able to compete against anyone.

“I am currently working on improving different aspects of my game that weren’t working as well in the previous tournament.”

Japarov has been playing tennis since the age of six, after being introduced to the sport by her parents. She was quick to credit those around her for the win, naming her family, the coaches at Randburg Tennis Club, and her fitness coach as central to her support structure. Looking ahead, Japarov has her sights set on the bigger picture for the rest of the season. “My goal for the rest of the season is to produce better results on an international level and improve my ranking.”

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