| Mirija and Elisoa Andriantefihasina, winners of the J30 circuit in Ilafy. |
Mirija Andriantefihasina on the boys’ side and her sister, Elisoa Andriantefihasina, on the girls’ side won the Ilafy J30 international circuit hands down by defeating two South Africans.
The ITF junior J30 circuit in Antananarivo, Leg II, which ended yesterday at the Olympic Club of Antananarivo, saw the victory of two Andriantefihasina, Mirija and Elisoa. Mirija Andriantefihasina, unfortunate finalist of Leg I, on Sunday September 29, was smiling again. He beat in two sets (6/4 7/5), the best server of the tournament and runner-up to Mahefa Rakotomalala in the semis, the South African Cuan Western. Elisoa Andriantefihasina, narrowly beaten by the South African, Roxy Bredenkamp, on Sunday, took her revenge by outclassing her in three sets (6/3 3/6 6/4).
The two finals were played at the same time on courts No. 1 and 2 from 9:12 a.m. For the boys, on court number 1, South African Cuan Western served first. He won his faceoff without any problem. Mirija Andriantefihasina, more determined, won his first faceoff after one minute and thirty seconds.
The two players made it in quick succession up to 4 all after thirty-eight minutes of play. On his fifth throw-in, Cuan Western after 40/40 committed two backhand errors and it was an opportunity for the Malagasy to make a break at the right time in his favor (4/5).
For the win of the first set, Mirija Andriantefihasina started her service with an ace, 15/0, (30/0, 30/15, 40/15), synonymous with a first set (6/4) after fifty-four minutes of play.
Take risks
In the second set, Mirija Andriantefihasina hit a perfect shot leading 4/2, but Cuan Western managed to get back to 4 all, then he took the lead leading 5/4. Under pressure and more determined, the Malagasy raised his level of play by daring to take risks in attack. He got back to 5 all before winning his opponent’s service, 5/6.
Serving to win the match, Mirija Andriantefihasina had two match points, but the South African did not give any favors and, twice, he had two balls to return to 6/6. Pushed by his supporters and Dally Randriantefy too, Mirija won his faceoff in 7/5 after eleven minutes of hard fighting, synonymous with a title for him after two hours and five minutes on the field.
Among the girls, on court 2, Elisoa Andriantefihasina was forced to go until the third round, to get rid of the South African, Roxy Bredenkamp. The first set was smooth because she won it without trembling in 6/4. In the second set after 3 all, Elisoa Andriantefihasina was broken twice. She was unable to serve better, committing several double faults and Roxy Bredenkamp returned to a set everywhere (6/3).
In the third set, Elisoa Andriantefihasina came back with more determination. She raised the level of her game. She achieved a double break leading 5/2, then 5/3. Serving to win the match, she did not tremble in winning it in 6/3.
Mirija Andriantefihasina
“It’s incredible to win as a family. It was a very tough match, but I took my courage in both hands and it paid off. We are very proud. »
Elisoa Andriantefihasina
“I am very happy to have won. I saw my brother winning next door and it was really an extra motivation for me. »
Sylvie Randria, mother of the two winners
“I am very happy. This year’s efforts finally paid off. Before the final, Mirija and Elisoa discussed well and developed attack strategies to win the match. And they won together. »
Dally Randriantefy, former tennis player, 44th in the world
“This double victory proves that, when you really invest, you can obtain good results. Mirija, who won an international U18 circuit, barely 15 years old, had a rock-solid mentality in front of the indestructible South African. As for Elisoa, thanks to the work she has done with Josoa Rakotonindriana, she is starting to reap rewards. Congratulations also to the parents because they won as a family like the Williams, like us in our time, and now it’s theirs. It’s great. »
Naina Zandina Rakotomaniraka, president of the Malagasy Tennis Federation
“There are no miracles in sport. Thanks to the victory of Mirija and Elisoa, Malagasy tennis is in the spotlight. They are among the players in the future of Malagasy tennis and they need everyone’s help to go even further. »
Donné Raherinjatovo
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