Third time was a charm for Filip Peliwo, who won Wimbledon Junior after two lost finals in Melbourne and Paris (Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
Eugénie Bouchard became the first Canadian to win a Junior Grand Slam title yesterday. Today, Filip Peliwo had a chance to further the history thus made by the Montrealer, as he was playing his third consecutive Junior Grand Slam final, this time a rematch of his (tight) loss in Melbourne, against ITF no 1 Junior player, Aussie Luke Saville.
Luke Saville fought and played a great match, but this time, it was not enough (Photo: Clive Rose/Getty Images)
It was a tight start from both players, who were cautious, especially in the uncertain weather conditions, as the match started a bit later due to the rain. However, it was Luke Saville who broke first, after saving two break points on his serve the game before. A double fault from Peliwo that came at a very ill timing. Nevertheless, Peliwo kept on fighting, and it paid off when Saville double faulted serving for the set.
From 2-5 down, the Vancouver native won five consecutive games to take the first set, 7-5. This was a difference with his two previous Junior Grand Slam finals, as he was then in the driver’s seat and not the one trailing. That fact seemed to give him wings, as he started the second set very aggressively, breaking the Aussie in the middle of the set, a break he would never relinquish.
Filip Peliwo dropped to his knees after defeating Luke Saville and winning Wimbledon Junior (Photo: REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth)
In the end, Filip Peliwo defeated Luke Saville, 7-5 6-4, on an ace, and he exploded in pure joy, kneeling on the grass on Court 1, then, sitting on his chair, burst out laughing. Touching, happy moments, just like, after the traditional photos with the trophies, he literally ran the lap of honour, laughing like a little boy who had just been given the best toy ever.
Third time was a charm for Peliwo, a very complete, all-court player. This win will also make him ITF no 1 starting tomorrow.
Canada’s own owned Wimbledon Junior this year. Let’s hope they have as successful pro careers as they did in the Juniors.
The doubles to Bouchard and Townsend
Eugénie Bouchard completes her double triumph, this time in doubles with U.S. Taylor Townsend (Photo: AP/Alastair Grant)
Eugénie Bouchard was the defending doubles champion. This year, she teamed up with Taylor Townsend and not Grace Min, but the result ended up being the same. Bouchard and Townsend defeated Bianca Bencic and AnaKonjuh 6-4 6-3 to take the girls’ doubles title.
For both girls, it’s a second doubles title at Junior Grand Slam level, their first together.
A great week for Canadian tennis crowned in great style!
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