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Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWE’S Sasha Chimedza lost the girls singles semi-final to top seed Meshkatolzahra Safi at the ongoing Cranrid International Tennis Federation World Junior Tour yesterday at Harare Sports Club.
Chimedza lost to Iran’s Meshkatolzahra 3-6, 2-6.
The 14-year-old, seeded fifth in the tournament, was the only Zimbabwean still on course in the girls singles.
Tanyaradzwa Midzi, and Tadiwanashe Mauchi lost in the quarter-finals in the J4 event.
In the boys singles, the best performance came from Ethan Sibanda, who reached the quarter-finals.
After clinching the girls singles title, during last week’s event, Chimedza had hoped for another outstanding show this week.
But, she found the going tough yesterday, as she lost in straight sets.
Chimedza said she wasn’t expecting to win the title last week.
“Not really but, as I continued through the games, I realised I had an opportunity because my game was on top and I was relaxed,’’ she said.
“I was a bit nervous but I managed to pull through and it was a good week.
‘‘I had a lot of intent and I was mentally tough, and prepared, and it was good.
“I think I was just a bit tired from last week’s matches but today’s match was interesting.’’
She also reached the doubles finals last week when she teamed up with Mauchi.
This time around they lost in the semi-final.
It’s her first year playing in the Under-18s.
“I think I need just more rest to get my body in shape for the last week and just play better than these two weeks,” said Chimedza.
Second seed Heike Janse Van Vuuren of South Africa dismissed Belgium’s Sara Pantelic seeded sixth 6-1, 6-1 in the other semi-final.
Janse Van Vuuren is up against Safi today.
Safi, who is playing in Zimbabwe for the first time, is pleased to be in the final.
“I really have a good feeling because it’s my first time in Zimbabwe. I have been to Kenya but this time I have best feeling because reaching (the) final in the second week (is good),’’ she said.
‘‘I hope to continue like that and even win the tournament.’’
In the boys singles semi-finals, fifth seed Federico Cina, beat top seed Aman Dahiya 1-6, 7-6(3), 6-3.
He will take on second seed William Jansen, who beat Aayush Bhat 6-3, 6-4, in the other semi-final.
The doubles finals were played yesterday.
Bhat and Aman Dahiya won the boys title while Janse Van Vuuren and Leigh Van Zyl walked away with the girls title.
Online Reporter