Latest news with #16ULexusJuniorNationalChampionships
South Wales Argus
07-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Knight determined to learn lessons after Junior Wimbledon defeat
Knight, 14, entered the Grand Slam junior draw for the first time and with a burgeoning reputation, having been crowned U16 girls' singles champion at the 2025 16U Lexus Junior National Championships last April. She made the step-up to the girls' singles draw in SW19 after she was given a wild card, but could not avoid defeat against Spain's Eugenia Zozaya Menendez, losing 6-2 6-3. But Knight insists she won't let the result take the shine off the memorable occasion, and she hopes to emerge all the better for the experience. 'It felt really cool to be playing at a first Grand Slam in front of a crowd,' said Knight, who holds Aryna Sabalenka and Emma Raducanu among her sporting idols. 'It's a really good experience. I had some family and friends come along and watch for that extra support which is nice. 'It's been a lot different from the fourteens to the top juniors in the world but it's still a great experience to be able to play at this level at a young age. 'It'll be good to get out there again and experience it more. My levels can improve but I still played some good tennis.' Knight won't have to wait too long to be back on the fabled Wimbledon lawns, with the Suffolk starlet set to team up with Ruby Cooling in the girls' doubles draw later this fortnight. They take on Serbia's Luna Vujović and Slovakia's Mia Pohánková. For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website
South Wales Guardian
06-07-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Guardian
Tennis starlet Piani plans to absorb everything at Wimbledon
The 18-year-old is competed in the girls' singles draw for the final time of her nascent career after a 7-5 6-4 defeat to Vendula Valdmannova but remains in doubles contention, where she is joining forces with good friend Brooke Black. And with the countdown on her time in the junior circuit already begun, Piani plans to live every moment to the fullest. 'Playing at Wimbledon is completely different to every tournament,' said Piani, who was runner-up in the girls' singles draw at the 2025 16U Lexus Junior National Championships last April. 'I'm grateful to be able to play. It's my last junior tournament so honestly I was hoping to give it my all and leave it out on the court and I did that. 'I could've played a little bit better but you're not going to play perfect tennis all the time. I'm just going to enjoy every moment and I was super happy that I was given the chance to play. 'I'm just trying to enjoy being on the court. "... Trying to play those higher level tournaments and feel like I'm comfortable playing at that level." 🙌 Daniella Piani reflects on how she adjusted to different conditions after winning the 16U Junior National Tennis Championships consolation final 6-1 6-0 over Sarah Copley. 'I've got my technical stuff that I can still work on but just being able to give it my all and not let anything get to me that's outside my control. 'It's great when you come here, no matter what point you are in a match, the crowd are always behind you.' Piani is next in action on Tuesday, where she and Black take on Czech sisters Alena and Jana Kovackova. 'I'm super excited,' added Piani. 'Me and Brooke have played loads of times together and doubles is really fun, even more so with a home crowd. I enjoy playing it and I'm super excited for it.' For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website
