Prostejov (Czech Republic), Aug 4:
Indian girls were out of the semifinal race at the ITF World Junior Tennis Finals after a 0-3 defeat at the hands of Italy in Group B, here today.
Shivani Amineni took the courts first, losing 4-6 1-6 to Federica Rossi. The onus to bring India back was on Mahak Jain but she went down fighting 4-6 5-7 to Elisabetta Cocciaerto in the second singles.
The doubles was rendered inconsequential following Mahak’s defeat. Coach Nar Singh fielded Prinkle Singh and Shivani and they lost 1-6 4-6 to Federica and Elisabetta.
It was second successive defeat for the Indian team, following a 1-2 defeat against Czech Republic in the four-team Group B. They now play Egypt tomorrow.
India’s coach said the European girls always had the advantage of playing on a surface which suits them.
“The conditions suited the European girls. Although Shivani and Mahak were in Europe for the last few weeks but still that it was difficult for them to counter European players on clay,” Nar Singh told PTI.
“Our girls tried their best. The matches were not one-sided at all. Our players, only 14 years of age, did not have the maturity to handle adverse conditions,” he said.
Against Czech Republic, Shivani had won her singles match but lost the decisive doubles with partner Jain. It was a perfect start for India as Shivani won the opening singles 6-4 6-4 over Anna Siskova.
But Mahak lost the second singles 4-6 5-7 to Ivana Sebestova to allow the hosts level the scores 1-1.
The doubles became decisive and coach Nar Singh changed the combo, pairing Shivani with Mahak, leaving out original nomination Prinkle Singh.
However, they lost 2-6 3-6 to the pair of Ivana and Anna Siskova. (PTI)
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