Barty continues successful season on court with fourth title
UNSTOPPABLE Ipswich tennis player Ashleigh Barty is celebrating another title success - this time in Victoria.
Barty, 16, is the Latrobe City MSS Security Tennis International women's champion.
She won her fourth ITF title for 2012 after defeating seventh seed Arina Rodionova (Melbourne) 6-2 6-3 in Traralgon.
"I got off to a pretty good start in both sets going up 4-0," the Springfield-based player said.
"Arina put a bit of fight back in both sets but I was able to hold my nerve a little bit and get the win."
At a career high ranking of 217, Barty's ranking is expected to climb after her latest win.
The 2011 Wimbledon junior champion's win-loss record for the year is 28-6.
Although Barty's week was challenging, the right-hander came through without losing a set.
That included ousting the No. 6 seed Alize Lim, of France, before defeating No.3 seed Daria Gavrilova (Russia).
"I've had some tough matches, especially my semi that was some of the best tennis I've played ever, so was happy to get through that one," Barty said.
Barty and partner Sally Peers were unable to capitalise on a match point to secure a third title.
They lost 2-6 7-6 (4) (10-8) to Rodionova and former world No. 1 doubles player Cara Black from Zimbabwe in the women's doubles final.
Barty and Victorian-based Peers teamed up in Ipswich during the Festival of Tennis earlier this year.
Queensland player Ben Mitchell won the men's Latrobe City title.
World No. 340 Ben Mitchell defeated close friend and fellow AIS Pro Tour Program member Luke Saville from South Australia 6-3 2-6 6-1 to win the Traralgon crown for the second consecutive year.
The Latrobe MSS Security Tennis International is part of the 2012 Australian Pro Tour, a series of professional tennis events that bridge junior events and the ATP/WTA Tour.
The Australian Pro Tour will travel north to Bendigo for the William Loud Bendigo International this week.
