Vandromme gives herself the perfect birthday gift
Jeline Vandromme emerged as the first big winner of the day. On her 18th birthday, she battled past the experienced Anna-Lena Friedsam 7–6(0), 2–6, 6–3 in a tense, one-hour-and-36-minute contest.
“I am very happy to win the first point. I always expect a hard match, but I am just proud of myself for how I stayed in the match and stayed focused the whole time,” Vandromme said.
The teenager, who won the junior title at this year’s US Open and the ITF World Tennis Tour Junior Finals in Chengdu, once again showcased her composure on court. Ranked Junior World No. 2, she appears to be transitioning smoothly into the professional ranks, having already collected four ITF World Tennis Tour titles this season.
“The mental part is different,” Vandromme explained when asked about the differences between junior and senior level. “When you come into the women’s circuit, they are fighting more for themselves. But I was able to gain a lot of experience over the season.”
Her crucial point for Belgium fittingly caps off a remarkable year.
