Bonding and Xu claim18U National titles
The Lexus National Junior Championships took place this week at the National Tennis Centre in Roehampton. Stacked with talent, the event featured nine players ranked inside the ITF junior world top 100. There were wildcard opportunities up for grabs and with the chance to add their name to the likes of Andy Murray, Dan Evans and Heather Watson who also won national titles, there was a lot to play for.
Oliver Bonding was crowned the 18U National Champion after battling through a three set encounter against Charlie Robertston 6-3, 3-6, 6-4. Oliver recently made history after becoming the first British boy to win the J500 Banana Bowl since 2010, and didn’t drop a set en route to the finals. Last year’s runner up, Oliver was able to turn things around this year and claim a wild card into Wimbledon qualifying and a main draw spot at Junior Wimbledon after strong performances all week.
Charlie Robertson knocked out Mark Ceban in straight sets and overcame Charlie Swaine in a tight contest before reaching the final where he fought back to win the second set and pushed the match to a thrilling third set.
Rhys Lawlor teamed up with Jay Johnson-Hauldren to win the doubles title, Rhys is now the reigning U14, U16 and U18 doubles national champion and credits his success to the energy he brings to the court and choosing great partners.
In the girls event, Mimi Xu battled her way to victory in a rollercoaster three sets 6-7(4), 7-6(7), 6-4 against Hannah Klugman. This match was always going to be one to watch with both players among the best young talent right now, not only in British tennis but on the international tour too.
Mimi won two junior singles titles last year and started 2024 in fine form as a quarter finalist at the Junior Australian Open. Last year’s runner up, Hannah Klugman won the prestigious Orange Bowl and has the 16U National Championship to her name so the match had blockbuster written all over it. Mimi told the LTA that she believed that 'both of us deserved to win’ - showing respect to her opponent and how hard she had to fight to get across the line.
Mimi not only brought home the singles title but paired with Mika Stojsavljevic to lifted the doubles trophy too. It wasn’t easy though, the final came down to a championship tiebreak 12-10 over Flora Johnson and Allegra Korpanec Davies.
It was an intense week for all the players and we’re proud of all the grantees who gave their best and tested themselves against the best of British tennis. Congratulations!