12.04.04 Ozzies see Orange in Florida Heat Wheelchair Tennis' Dutch duo snatch both the Mens and Womens Singles Titles. European tennis sends an Athens wake-up call with a clean sweep at the US Florida Open this weekend.

Holland's World No. 2 Robin Ammerlaan out gunned Australia's World Nº1 and Sydney Gold medalist, David Hall 4-6, 6-0, 6-3 to win the Mens Singles. No fewer than 7 breaks of serve against Hall in the final 2 sets were enough to hand the balance of power and ultimate victory to the Dutch star.

Keeping up an unbeaten run of 73 matches was World Womens Nº1 and Sydney Gold medalist, Dutchwoman Esther Vergeer (see photo) defeating Australia's World Nº2 Daniela DiToro 6-0, 6-3 to take the Womens Singles Tournament.

Also extending an unbeaten run (9 months and 27 matches) was Quad Division Winner, Great Britain's World Nº1, Peter Norfolk. Norfolk narrowly beat defending Florida Open champion David Wagner 7-5 7-5 and is clear favorite for a Quad Division Gold in Athens.

The Florida Singles draw was seen by many as a possible preview to Athens, with most of the Worlds top players turning out to boost their Rankings before todays (12th April) ITF rankings cut off.

In the women's doubles final, Vergeer and compatriot Maaike Smit defeated Chiyoko Ohmae and Mie Yaosa 6-0, 6-2. In the men's doubles final, France's Michael Jeremiasz and Austria's Martin Legner topped Japan's Shingo Kuneida and Saida Satoshi 6-4, 7-6 (6).

Those who didn't win can point to the debilitating Florida heat and say they will be ready for the Athens cauldron in 4 months time.

 

Sport : Wheelchair Tennis