Win has Japanese teen on cloud nine
SPEAKING through an interpreter, Ramu Ueda could hardly contain her excitement.
The Japanese 19-year-old can barely speak a word of English but was keen to get her message across.
“This is the biggest moment in my career,” Ueda said.
Ueda outlasted Australian Kimberly Birrell, who just a day before had knocked out top seed Asia Muhammad, in two exciting sets, 6-4 7-6 at the Cairns Tennis International yesterday afternoon. Birrell, also just 19, saved a few match points to send the secondround contest into a tie-breaker in the second set but the Japanese product found a way in the Far North heat.
“I did not play well in the first round but I played much better against a higher-ranked player,” Ueda said. “It was a challenging game. “This is the second time I have played at this level.
“I like playing in these conditions in Cairns more than I do playing back home.”
Like countrywoman Yuuki Tanaka, Ueda is preparing to compete in the National Sports Festival of Japan next week.
Meanwhile, fourth seed Victorian Tammi Patterson was sent packing in convincing fashion yesterday as American Yuki Chiang did it easy to advance 6-1 6-4.
Second seed and defending champion Olivia Rogowska looks set to be in the money again this weekend after knocking over Australian qualifier Masa Jovanovic.
The doubles finals will be played under lights today from 5pm.