Injury thwarts Vucic in semis/French Open doubt

Ilija’s excellent run in the 44th Astrid Bowl that took place in Belgium ended in disappointment when he strained or pulled a groin muscle after winning the first set 6-4 against Chase Buchanan (USA) and had to withdraw from the match trailing 5-2 in the 2^nd set when the pain and restriction on movement prevented him from soldiering on any further.

This followed wins over the 2^nd seed Yuki Bhambri and 13^th seed Tsung-Hua Yang in the quarters. Unfortunately he will have to wait for a diagnosis in Paris to see if he can compete at the Roland Garros Junior Championships. Igor Tomasevic travelling with Ilija said “This is very disappointing as I felt he could not only win this match but possibly the tournament. He is in the best form of the year and is desperate to show what he can do in the French Open juniors starting Sunday so we can only hope this is just a strain and not a pull”

Meanwhile Henri Kontinen also lost to Buchanan in the quarters but continued his fine run in doubles this year by lifting the trophy, his 4^th this year. Henri arrives in Paris full of confidence and MCTA expect both Henri and Ilija to perform well in a Grand Slam, which is the pinnacle of junior tennis.

Director of Tennis David Sammel said “Tennis respects pedigree in the sport and Henri and Ilija have shown they are two top juniors but until you perform and make the later rounds of a Slam you have not proved yourself fully in the junior ranks. This is what these two talented guys are yet to accomplish. They are well placed to do so in the French or at Wimbledon.”

Anna Fitzpatrick and Stefy Boffa begin their grass court season at Surbiton next week and Wes Moodie is currently in the 2^nd round of the doubles in Paris. “Wes and Jeff have had a fabulous year so far and it is entirely possible Wes will lift a 2^nd Grand Slam title in 2008. I believe they are ready to do something great this year in a major” commented MCTA Director of Tennis.