David Poole and Ashleigh Simes were crowned the men's and women's AMT singles winners at the Border's Margaret Court Cup on Tuesday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Simes defeated Teodora Jovic in straight sets at the Albury grasscourts, while Poole took down Matthew James Scheers 6-4, 6-3.
Shepparton born Poole had previously played at the Cup as a junior but had never made it to the final before.
Despite being in control for much of the match, Poole said he wasn't able to allow himself to take his foot off the pedal.
"I just had to keep putting the pressure on him," Poole said.
"I knew that he'd keep fighting so I had to just keep gong to the end and not stop until it was done.
"I've been training hard and I've got a great coach and great hitting partners that have helped me get here."
Growing up in a country town, Poole said he holds regional tournaments such as the Margaret Court Cup in high regard.
"I love the country events, being from country Victoria," Poole said.
"The fact that they're able to put on such a great tournament and have so many people come every year is just amazing.
"I wish there was more like it."
ALSO IN SPORT:
Poole knocked out Border men's singles hopeful Jade Culph in the third round in an epic third set decider, however admitted the match could have gone either way.
"It was just a couple of points here and there and the quality of play has been really good," Poole said.
"I was just lucky to get through."
While bushfire smoke continues to linger in the region, Poole said it hadn't been enough to affect the tournament.
The Cup winner will now move to Wodonga to contest the Victorian Junior Grass Court Championships before heading to Yarrawonga for the All Stars Junior Tournament.
From there Poole will head back to the US where he works as a tennis coach, but said he plans on returning to the Border for the Margaret Court Cup again.
Border young gun Ella Brown also posted her best result at the tournament to date playing off in the under-14 girl's final.
Brown took the first set against top seed Chelsea Elliott before falling short 10-7 in a hard fought third set decider.
The tennis star said she's enjoyed the experience.
"She (Elliott) played really well, it was a good match," Brown said.
"It's been really fun, so I've just been enjoying it."
Brown will now also try her hand at the Victorian Grass Court Championships which starts on Wednesday.
Over 300 players have taken to Border courts over the last five days for the Margaret Court Cup.
