Canada’s Rebecca Marino, embracing her Yorkshire heritage, has surged to the finals of the Lexus Ilkley Trophy, a crucial momentum builder ahead of Wimbledon qualifying. Ranked 144 in the world, the 33-year-old showcased resilience and tenacity, overcoming Australian Kimberly Birrell in a gripping match that lasted over two hours.
A Hard-Fought Battle
Marino faced a tough opponent in the 26-year-old Birrell, ranked 136 globally. The match was a test of endurance and mental strength, especially in the deciding set. Marino’s crucial save of three break points at 4-4 and a dramatic match point set up by a passing shot on the run led to Birrell’s double fault, securing Marino’s place in the final.
Preparing for Wimbledon
Marino’s performance on grass courts is a strategic preparation for Wimbledon. The former world number 38 has adapted her game to favor grass over clay, citing the suitability of her serve and big hitting for this surface.
“I feel like every year I get more and more comfortable with the grass. It’s suited to my game with the serve and big hitting so I’m really enjoying it. Especially heading into Wimbledon qualifying next week, I think getting all this match play on the grass is better than being on the practice court.”
Yorkshire Roots
An interesting aspect of Marino’s journey at Ilkley is her connection to Yorkshire. This is her first visit to Ilkley, a place she finds charming and significant due to her family history.
“My mum told me that my great, great grandparents were from Huddersfield, just a sort of a hop and a skip away. So it’s kind of neat to feel like I’m in a place where my relatives were.”
The Final Showdown
Marino will face French player Jessika Ponchet in the women’s final. Ponchet, who has an unconventional one-handed backhand, won her semi-final against compatriot Elsa Jacquemot. Ponchet is ranked just one spot higher than Marino at 143.
“We’re both going to want it so badly, so I’m expecting something gritty, along the lines of today,” Marino said. “I’ll go out and try my very best, as my opponent will, and I think it’s going to be a great match.”
Men’s Singles Highlights
The men’s competition has also seen intense matches. Belgian star David Goffin, a former world No. 7, triumphed over 21-year-old American Zachary Svajda in a three-set battle. Goffin, now aiming for Wimbledon through qualifying, will face France’s Harold Mayot in the final. Mayot, ranked 125, won his semi-final against Benjamin Bonzi in a thrilling three-set match.
Doubles Competition
The doubles competitions also saw fierce battles. In the men’s doubles, Neal Skupski and Michael Venus edged out Joe Salisbury and Rajeev Ram in a closely contested match. Their victory adds to the excitement of the Ilkley Trophy as players prepare for Wimbledon.
Rising Stars and Wild Cards
One notable mention is Billy Harris, a wild card entrant in the cinch Championships who made an impressive run to the quarter-finals. Despite his loss to Italian Lorenzo Musetti, Harris’s performance earned him a significant prize, boosting his career earnings substantially. Harris’s story underscores the opportunities that wild card entries can provide, paving the way for emerging talents in the sport.
