Tasmanian teenager Jessica Fowler debuts at Hobart International tennis tournament
Tasmanian teenager Jessica Fowler has made her debut at tennis’ Hobart International, facing world number 89.
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LOCAL hero Jessica Fowler’s WTA tournament debut didn’t end the way her fan club wanted, but the young Tasmanian was over the moon to play on centre court in the qualifying rounds of the Hobart International yesterday.
Ukrainian Kateryna Kozlova, ranked world number 89, gave Fowler a lesson she won’t forget, winning the match 6-0 6-2.
Fowler, 19, said she would grow from the experience.
“I felt really privileged to be given the opportunity to compete at the Hobart International today,” she said.
“It was amazing having my WTA debut on centre court in my home state at such a high-profile event.
“The support from the local community that came to watch me play was really encouraging and I’d like to thank everyone.
“This experience has definitely made me more determined and I’m really excited for what the rest of 2020 has in store.”
Hobart’s 2015 champion Heather Watson advanced by beating American Hayley Carter 6-0 6-2.
“It was really tough conditions, especially the first game of the match, it was like hurricane winds out there,” Watson said.
MORE HOBART INTERNATIONAL: HOBART CONTINUES TO CALL MERTENS
james.bresnehan@news.com.au
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