TENNIS: Wanborough's Hunt happy to reach final (From Swindon Advertiser)

TENNIS: Wanborough's Hunt happy to reach final

6:00am Friday 15th March 2013 in Sport By Ned Payne

LOUISE Hunt declared herself happy with her start to the year after making the final of the Biel-Bienne Indoors.

The Wanborough wheelchair tennis player lost 6-3, 6-4 in a tight match against Italian top seed Marianna Lauro.

And despite being downhearted at not tasting success in Switzerland, second seed Hunt felt she could not be negative about her overall display.

“I was disappointed not to win. My serve was a little bit shaky but I felt I played really well and it seemed a lot closer than the score,” said Hunt.

“In terms of the tennis it was a very good start to the year and was pleased to begin in that way.

“It was definitely worth doing and I saw a big improvement in my game for the first time in absolutely ages.”

Previous to the singles showdown, the London Paralympian had partnered Lauro to success in the doubles, sealing a 6-3, 6-4 success over Anabelle Ribeaud and Micha Sprannstra in the final.

“The doubles was the first time I’ve played with Marianna and I really enjoyed it,” added Hunt.

“It didn’t count towards world ranking points but they are good ones to have in the bank.”

The 21-year-old, coached by Ali Ward, now turns her attention to the inaugural Sheffield Wheelchair Tour, which begins on Friday.

Hunt is number one seed in the singles and is looking forward to competing at the ITF Futures Series hard court event.

“Hopefully the fact the tournament is at home will help me this time,” she said.

“It’s a new tournament and it will be interesting to see how it goes, and hopefully I will start off with a win.

“I last went there when I was seven or eight years old for a junior camp, but I haven’t been back since.

“It’s nice to be back in tournaments, I’ve missed them.”