Britain’s men, quad and junior tennis teams enjoy success in Japan
Britain’s men, quad and junior teams all booked their place in the semi-finals of the BNP Paribas World Team Cup on the third day of thrilling competition in Tokyo, Japan.
Eighteen-year-old Alfie Hewett was the standout performer for Great Britain as he defeated the world No.6 Gustavo Fernandez of Argentina 7-6(0) 6-3 to put the tie beyond Argentina’s reach after Marc McCarroll had earlier beaten Agustin Ledesma 6-4 6-3.
Despite Dermot Bailey and Paul Stewart losing the doubles rubber 6-1 6-1 the British team had already done enough to secure their place in the semi-finals, where they will play the hosts Japan.
Britain’s quad team of Andy Lapthorne, Jamie Burdekin and Antony Cotterill also booked their place in the semi-finals after beating Israel 2-1 to win their group after earlier 3-0 wins over Canada and South Africa. They will also face the hosts Japan in the semis.
Two strong singles performances helped Britain’s juniors beat Japan and make the semi-finals at the expense of fourth seeds Belgium who they beat into third in their group.
After defeating Katsuki Shimizu 6-0 6-0 in his opening singles match 14 year-old Ruairi Logan said:
“I played well and took my opportunities today. It’s the first time that I’ve been so aggressive and hit that hard into the corners, I moved him around a lot and felt in control. I’m learning so much during this tournament and it’s been great.”
Josh Cooper them followed his teammate’s example by battling through his singles 6-2 3-6 6-3 against Sejirou Hosoi to secure a unassailable 2-0 lead in the tie. Logan then joined Ben Johnson Rolfe in the doubles to beat the Japanese 6-3 5-7 10-4 and secure the tie 3-0.
Britain’s women endured a tough day against hosts Japan, losing all three matches in the tie. World Team Cup senior debutante Luz Esperanza Merry made a good start against Kanako Domori but was eventually outplayed, losing 6-3 6-1.
Louise Hunt lost out to world No.2 Yui Kamiji 6-1 6-1 and Japan then wrapped up the tie 3-0 with Kamiji and Domori teaming up to defeat Hunt and Lauren Jones 6-0 6-3.
Britain will face Japan in the semi-finals of the men’s and quad competitions tomorrow, with the juniors playing the USA. Britain's women will play for places 9-12 over the next two days, facing Morocco tomorrow.
