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Writer's pictureConnor Joyce

WALTON CLAIMS MAIDEN ITF TITLE


Photograph: Adam Walton.


[Q] Adam Walton (AUS) def [1] Li Tu (AUS) 7-5, 0-6, 6-1


Australian Adam Walton has won his first professional singles title overnight, at the 15K event in Waco, Texas.


Walton overcame fellow Aussie Li Tu in a three-set final to cap off the best week of his professional tennis career to date.


The 23-year-old has spent the past 5 years of his life playing college tennis at the University of Tennessee and has therefore enjoyed very little time on the pro tour.


Walton graduated earlier this year, having been named All-American in both singles and doubles, and was ranked the second-best college player in 2022.


The 23-year-old also led Tennessee to the final four of the NCAA men’s tennis championships, where they fell to national champion Virginia.


Before this week, the Australian had not registered an ITF main draw win since 2019 but is now turning his attention to the pro tour and enjoying instant success.


After coming through two qualifying matches, Walton reeled off four straight-set wins in the main draw on his way to the final.


Walton’s win over world number 303 Li Tu marked his first top 500 win on tour, and undoubtedly the biggest victory of his pro career.


Tu’s form has also been quite incredible in 2022, having now reached five ITF singles finals and enjoying a rapid rise up the ATP rankings.


On the back of his successful week, Walton will also climb up the rankings, moving inside the ATP top 1000 for the first time in his career.


He currently sits tied at number 864 with his only ranking points coming from the past week.


Doubles


In ITF doubles action, two Aussies claimed titles at 15K level.


21-year-old Lisa Mays won her second ITF doubles title in Monastir, Tunisia. Mays teamed up with New Zealand’s Valentina Ivanov, with the pair taking out the final 6-4, 6-7(2), [10-8].


Mays, who won her first doubles title back in 2019, is also taking the American college path, where she is currently studying and competing at Texas Tech University.


Australian Brandon Walkin also claimed doubles silverware in Velenje over the weekend, winning the final 6-1, 6-2 in dominant fashion.


It is Walkin’s 10th career ITF doubles title and third of the season, taking his ATP doubles ranking up to 412.

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