JORDANNE Whiley made a triumphant seasonal debut on the 2010 NEC Wheelchair Tennis Tour. The 17-year-old British No 2 won the women’s singles title at this week’s Biel-Bienne Indoors in Switzerland.
A semi-finalist in the same ITF 3 Series event in 2009, world No 13 Whiley comfortably matched that performance after following up a first round bye with a 6-1, 6-1 quarter-final victory over Frenchwoman Sophie Fraioli.
The British second seed then secured a confident 6-3, 6-2 win against fast-improving German Sabine Ellerbrock in a potentially difficult semi-final to book her place in Sunday’s final against local Swiss favourite Sandra Kalt.
However, after Kalt fell ill before the title decider, Whiley was presented with a walkover and left Switzerland with the winner’s trophy and a healthy net gain in world ranking points.
“To win my first tournament of the season, of course I’m very happy,” said Whiley.
“Things have got better as the tournament’s progressed.
“I played okay in my first match, although my serve was not great, but I served much better and played well in my semi, so was pleased with that and it’s a nice start to my year.”
