Canadian Stephanie Dubois wins USTA Tennis Classic of Troy
Published 11:53 pm Sunday, October 14, 2012
After a week of compition, Stephanie Dubois claimed the 10th Annual United States Tennis Association Tennis Classic of Troy crown Sunday afternoon.
Dubois won the tournament by defeating fellow Canadian Sharon Fichman 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
In a match that was hard-fought and emotional, Dubois said she missed some opportunities, but her poise kept her in the match.
“The first set was very tough, it went both ways. I missed some shots, but I kept my cool and focus and way able to take the second and third set,” said Dubois. “I very happy about it. It’s fun (to play a close match) when you play another Canadian, it’s a battle.”
The first set was a back-and-forth affair. Fichman used a mixture of drop shots and slices to pull away late. Dubois lept out to a 4-1 advantage in the second set before Fichman fought back to tie it 4-4. Dubois used both lines and fired a few rockets to win the set. Fichman couldn’t gather herself in the third set ultimately falling, 6-3.
Troy Mayor Jimmy Lunsford, Wiregrass Tennis Association director Leroy Joyner, Tennis Classic of Troy director Eric Hayes and Ken Cox presented Dubois with her prize money.
“This is my third time (playing in the Tennis Classic of Troy). Eveyone is very nice,” Dubois said. “It is a great facility with great courts.”
Dubois came into the tournament ranked 166 in the world by the World Tennis Association. En route to her title, Dubois defeated Michelle Larcher De Brito, ranked 113, and Chi Chi Scholl, ranked 179.
In Saturday’s doubles final, Angelina Gabueva and Arina Rodionova of Russia defeated the Canadian pair of Fichman and Marie-Eve Pelletier 6-4, 6-4.
For her victory, Dubois was awarded a $2,940 check. It was the Dubois’ first tournament victory of the season.
“It’s good for my confidence,” she said. “I’m looking forward to my next tournament.”
Dubois advanced to the championship round after knocking off top-seeded Larcher De Brito on Saturday, 6-3, 6-4.