| Christina Mathis wins 2 titles in a 28 match streak! |
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| Sunday, 26 April 2009 17:15 |
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This is an impressive run at any level. Jim Edgar, Academy Coach summarises the progress "From the disappointment of a 1st round defeat in the $10k in Antalya (Turkey) in March, Christina has made excellent progress in the last 3 weeks, winning 3 pre-qualifying matches, a G5 ITF, Finalist in a G5 ITF and winning the G4 ITF today in Nottingham. Without question the early defeat in Antalya was the catalyst for her improvement. It gave her the drive to focus on her competitive psyche and become more composed and mentally tougher in matches. We Worked on her game plan every morning in Turkey from 7 to 9.30 am, where Christina rediscovered her confidence and took this through into the 3 ITF events. Over the past month she has matured both as a person and a tennis player and has laid down good foundations for further development." She was about to head off to Bournemouth today after the final to play a 10K but the risk of serious injury through fatigue in her shoulder is too great and we took the decision to withdraw and send her home for a well earned rest. Roxanne Sammel, MCTA Physical Conditioner said of the final where she beat the American Rachel Kahan 4-6 6-4 6-3 "Christina's first Grade 4 ITF title showed how tough she can be because her shoulder was not great and was a set and 4-2 down but grit her teeth and made the girl work for it which changed the momentum. Instead of letting her shoulder effect her she trusted her game which carried her through to take the title!" Other MCTA players Fitzpatrick and Boffa are also progressing. Anna won 2 titles at 10K's (one with Stefi plus their semi in the 25K in Jersey) and one in Turkey. Stefi followed up with a doubles quarter-final in Tourhoudt 100K, a final in Tessenderlo 25K and a 2nd round in the singles with a win over Serbian Tedora Mircic 4-6 6-3 6-4 to secure a new career high in both singles and doubles when the new rankings are published tomorrow. Stefi and Anna have been preparing in Singapore for 3 tournaments in Indonesia, beginning Tuesday.
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Christina Mathis is hot! How hot? 28 wins and 3 losses in all competitions to be precise. In 23 days she has won 2 ITF singles titles, 2 runners-up medals in doubles and a third in singles. Her shoulder is sore, her body is tired but she continued to find a way to win. Her junior world ITF ranking is into the top 200 and the game has progressed well. Jim and particularly Roxanne has been excellent in guiding her through a rewarding but testing 3rd week. Roxanne's skills in motivation, massage and management of niggles including the famous 'ice baths' have enabled Christina to recover enough to come out fighting each day. 
