Hyderabad: The fourth-seeded Humera advanced into the final as her opponent top-seeded Salsa Aher retired before the second set. Humera was leading 6-1 then.
The match was played in Delhi on May 1.
Hyderabad’s Shaik Humera Begum emerged winner in the fifth edition of the Roland Garros Junior Wild Card Series by defeating her opponent Sarah Dev 7-5, 6-3. Following this Humera advanced into the final where her opponent Aher retired before the second set.
The event was held at the clay courts of the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA) from April 29 to May 1. The winners of the competition will get a chance to compete at the International Finals of the Roland-Garros Junior Wild Card Series with winners from China and Brazil. The eventual winners will be a part of the Roland-Garros 2019 Junior Draw.
According to a press release, top-seed Mann Maulik Shah and 4th-seed Shaikh Humera booked their tickets for the International Finals of the Roland-Garros Junior Wild Card Series to be held in Paris as the two players won their respective final matches of the India-edition of the Roland-Garros Junior Wild-Card Series 2019 held at the clay courts of the Delhi Lawn Tennis Association (DLTA).
Ronald-Garros Brand Amabassador Justine Henin witnessed the action on the final day of the Roland-Garros Junior Wild Card Series along with Lucas Dubourg, Head of International Development, French Tennis Federation and Suman Kapur, Joint Secretary of All India Tennis Association.
Shaikh Humera came out on top in the girls’ category of the competition as she defeated unseeded Sarah Dev 7-5, 6-3 in the final match.
Shaikh Humera continued her fine form in the competition as she defeated unseeded Sarah Dev from Punjab in straight sets 7-5, 6-3. Humera had earlier defeated unseeded Sunskriti Damera (6-3, 7-6(7)), and top-seed Salsa Aher (6-1, Retd) leading up to the Final. Her performance in the final match was proof as to why the talented youngster from Hyderabad secured her trip to Paris. The first set saw fierce competition between Humera and Dev as the two played some long rallies, but the former bagged it 7-5. However, Humera completely dominated in the second set to take it 6-3, and win the match in straight sets.
Shaik Humera Begum was born on August 12, 2001. The right handed player has been consistent in winning national games.
Roland-Garros Brand Ambassador Justine Henin, who was also present on the occasion, congratulated the winners on their victory.
Earlier, making waves in the Indian junior tennis, India No.3 player Humera represented the country in the junior Fed Cup event. She played in India’s Fed Cup along with another city girl Sai Dedeepya. During the event Humera impressed every one winning four of her six singles matches.
Humera began her journey at the age of 8. Her mother Shaikh Malika had a big influence on her to choose tennis.
According to a previous report, she is being trained by Coach Syed Kaleem at Lal Bahadur stadium. She lives with her parents in Old City of Hyderabad.
She says she gets four hours training daily – two in the morning and two in the evening – honing her skills, while she allocates another two hours to strengthen her fitness at Sanjeevaiah Park.
Humera wishes to win Grand Slams for the country.
She has studied at Mukarram Jah High School in Purani Haveli. Her father Shaikh Mohammed accompanies her to tournaments. He is a real estate businessman.