Johnson, Kepple capture Hi-Pro All-Jamaica Open Tennis titles
DAMION Johnson and Phadria Kepple captured the men’s and women’s singles titles, respectively, at the 2014 Hi-Pro All-Jamaica Open Tennis Championships, which ended at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston last Saturday night.
Johnson, the top seed in the men’s main draw, defeated Daniel Harris in the final in straight sets 6-4, 6-3, while second-seeded Kepple beat unseeded Selena Blythe, also in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2 in the women’s final.
The 28-year-old Johnson said it was a very good match and it was not that easily achieved as he had to work very hard for each and every point. Johnson pocketed $150,000 and the champion trophy, while Harris collected $75,000.
Kepple for winning the women’s singles crown walked away with $40,000, with Blythe receiving $25,000.
“I was very pleased in the way I played. My shots were on target and I felt good. Harris played a good match as he beat me with some fine shots, some I could not retrieve, as they were well placed mainly to the corners of the court,” Johnson said.
Johnson said Harris is a very good player, but he needs to be more aggressive if he wants to be the number one player in the island.
Meanwhile, Harris acknowledged that Johnson is currently one of the best players in the country.
“He is very quick and fast-moving on the court and he doesn’t give you many opportunities to gain a point from him. His shots, especially his forehand, is very devastating with strong returns,” Harris said.
Harris said he tried hard to get the better of Johnson but when he had the chance he produced a few mistakes.
“The biggest opportunity I had is when I broke him in the first set to lead 3-2 and he fought back strongly to take charge and entirely controlled the match,” said the 19-year-old former Hillel Academy student, who attends university in the United States of America.
On the women’s side, Kepple said she was not pleased with her performance as she was not trying hard enough due to examinations.
“I was happy for the victory and hope to train much better for other future tournaments to come,” said the 18-year-old medical student at the University of the West Indies.
The men’s doubles was won by the pair of Damion Johnson and Daniel, who defeated Kristopher Martin and Klyle Martin in three sets.
