The three major junior tennis tournaments in Florida last month produced a remarkably consistent cast of characters as the year came to a close. Fourteen juniors hoisted the 16 championship trophies at the Eddie Herr, Orange Bowl and Junior Orange Bowl, with Argentina’s Thiago Tirante the top story of the month with his 18-match winning streak culminating in the title of ITF World Junior Champion.
Thiago Tirante
When the 18-year-old from La Plata took a wild card into the Grade A in Merida, Mexico, his goal was a finish in the ITF World Tennis Tour junior rankings top 4 with its guarantee of Pro Circuit wild cards. Winning that title, with a 3-6, 7-6(5), 6-3 victory over Arthur Cazaux of France, achieved that goal, and gave him the chance to claim the No. 1 spot with titles at the Grade 1 Eddie Herr and Grade A Orange Bowl. Rising to the challenge, Tirante won the Eddie Herr with a 6-4, 6-2 win over unseeded compatriot Roman Burruchaga, then claimed the Orange Bowl title with a 6-0, 6-3 win over another Argentinian, No. 9 seed Juan Bautista Torres. Tirante did not drop a set in his 12 wins in Florida.
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