Teenager clinches national final win (From St Albans & Harpenden Review)

Harpenden teenager wins national tennis final

11:40am Thursday 7th February 2013 in Sport By Tom Bodell

Harpenden’s Emily Arbuthnott has won the 18 and under Aegon Winter National Tour Finals which took place at the National Tennis Centre in London at the weekend.

Arbuthnott beat Jennifer Brown of Welwyn Garden City 7-5, 6-2 in the final to win the tournament.

The 15-year-old earned her place at the Winter National Tour Finals by displaying impressive form throughout the Winter National Tour over the last few months.

An invitation-only event, the Winter National Tour Finals are the pinnacle of the winter British tennis season.

One of just 16 players invited, Arbuthnott said of her win: “It’s amazing. I was seeded first coming into the tournament but I never expected to get to the final, let alone win. I am over the moon.”

Leon Smith, Lawn Tennis Association Head of Men’s and Women’s Tennis, said: “It’s a fantastic achievement for Emily to secure the Aegon Winter National Tour honours, against such talented competition.

“The tournament brings together the best boys and girls in the country, who have been playing in this national tour circuit throughout the winter.

Smith continued: “There’s obviously a long way to go for these players. It’s a long journey for any player hoping to make an impact on the game but we hope that with the right support, these players are given the best possible chance of reaching their full potential.”