Stellenbosch, South Africa – The South African crowd had good reason to be in high spirits on Saturday at the Digicall Futures 3 being played in Coetzenburg, at the University of Stellenbosch.
The reason was that their “homeboy” Lloyd Harris of Cape Town won through to Sundays’ final in the men’s singles.
After a rain delayed start, fourth seed Harris was never troubled in his semifinal against unseeded Lucas Catarina of Monaco winning 6-4 6-2.
“Lucas plays a very different game to what I am used to, I didn’t necessarily play my best I just made sure my game was solid” said Harris following victory.
It took eighteen year old Harris one hour and twenty eight minutes to beat Catarina who has impressed throughout the three tournament Digicall Futures Series.
Harris in the finals on Sunday will go up against third seed Lucas Miedler of Austria.
The two last played in the finals of the Digicall Futures 2 last week which the Austrian won 7-6 (4) 6-1. “I have only played Lucas in last week’s finals and that did not go so well, I hope tomorrow I can get some revenge” added Harris.
In the second men’s semi-finals the two Austrian doubles partners Miedler and top seeded Pascal Brunner did battle. The two friends did not hold back against each other. Miedler however came out victorious upsetting his countryman in a three long setter 4-6 6-3 6-2 that lasted an hour and fifty minutes. “I think Pascal plays better than me, but I also have a good understanding of his game because we practice together and we are also doubles partners. I am happy to have won though and I hope in tomorrow’s final I will come out on top like in last week’s finals” said Miedler.
In the women’s singles quarterfinals top seed Hungarian, Naomi Totka had to pull out all the stops against Luisa Huber of Germany. Huber, seeded five, came out guns blazing taking the opening set 6-4. But the Germans run was short lived as Totka brought her all in the second set wining it 6-2 and then did not drop a game to eventually close out the match 4-6 6-2 6-0. Totka will face unseeded Gabriella Taylor of Great Britain on Sundays for the title.
Taylor upset eighth seeded Amelie Intert of Germany 6-4 6-1 in her semifinal.
The finals of the Digicall Futures 3 will begin at 10h00 on Sunday at the Maties Tennis Club. Entry is free and safe and secure parking is available.