Watsachol upsets Tomic for 1st ITF quarter-finals
Seventeen-year-old Watsachol Sawasdee upset Sara Tomic of Australia 6-2 6-3 to join Patcharin Cheapchandej and Varunya Wongteanchai in the quarter-finals of the US$15,000 ITF Women’s Circuit in Nonthaburi on Wednesday.
The teenager who never moved past the opening round of an ITF Circuit coming to this week beat the sister of ATP star Bernard Tomic in just 71 minutes in the women’s singles second actions competed at the LTAT National Tennis Development Centre.
The 2017 National Youth Games gold medallist said she became more disciplined with her fitness training and diet regime which saw her mobility on court improve.
“I have changed my tennis approach for the past few months. I have been working harder on my strength and become fitter. I also become more patient and try to return as many balls back as possible,” said the senior student from Tha Thong Pittayakom School.
“In fact I was a bit concerned going into the match as she (Tomic) used to beat me easily in a junior match years ago. But I’m playing so much better now and was able to give her a tough match,” said Watsachol who is confident in the next match against Pranjala Yadlapalli of India.
“My goal is to reach the semi-final. I feel more confident after I won the first round. Pranjala and I have similar game. I need to be more solid if I want to stay in this tournament,” added the former national under 14 and under 16 player who is coached by Chalermsak Saengsane.
Patcharin Cheapcharndej
Patcharin, one of the most improved Thai players this year, also advanced following a 6-1 6-0 demolition over Beatrice Gumulya of Indonesia. Varunya was the other Thai remaining in the singles draw after she beat Caroline Romeo of France 6-1 7-6 (7-5).
