The Ile-de-France Emeline Dartron won the final of the Women's Tournament in the North in 3 sets against another Frenchwoman, Sarah Rakotomonga (6-2, 5-7, 6-3). The player from CSM Eaubonne, n°24 in France, thus becomes the first winner of this ITF W35 tournament, organized by La Raquette Villeneuvoise. It was one of the last tournaments on the international women's circuit of the season.
It was undoubtedly the ideal poster for the public who came this week to the indoor courts of La Raquette in Villeneuve-d'Ascq. A 100% French final between two seeded players from the Villeneuvois tournament. On one side Emeline Dartron (24 years old), from CSM Eaubonne, ranked 383rd in the world and n°7 in the tournament. On the other the young Toulouse Sarah Rakotomanga (18 years old), 362nd in the world and n°8 here.
Experience made the difference in this ultimately tight final. Emeline Dartronwho had eliminated the No. 1 seed from the tournament, the Romanian Patricia Tig, in the 1/4 final, was the favorite in this French final. Even if she wasn't triumphant after her victory against Tig.
A three-part final
A status that she confirmed by easily winning the first set 6-2 in 29 minutes. The public expected a quick final when the Francilienne obtained a match point at 5-2 and 40-30 in the 2nd set. But the Toulouse left-hander saves this ball. She regains confidence and releases her punches. Sarah Rakotomangathanks to his powerful forehand, will then win 5 games in a row and win the set 7-5 in 39 minutes. The match is then completely restarted because Emeline Dartron seems to have taken a hit to morale, after missing the opportunity to win quickly.
But the 24th Frenchwoman will regain her serve which she lacked in this 2nd set. Emeline Dartron regains the advantage and wins this last round 6-3; the match and also this ITF W35 tournament at the same time. The final finally kept its promises, and concluded in style a successful first edition of Femmes en Nord, by La Raquette Villeneuvoise.
Now for the Interclubs, where we could find many players present in Villeneuve d'Ascq this week.
France
