Campbell crowned women’s number one

The comfortable winning score line of 6-1, 6-2 was not reflective of the closeness of many of the games.

Cooke made Campbell work for almost every point, but Campbell played an extremely good final match, serving well and dominating the power hitting with her characteristic big forehand.

Early in the second set it looked like the youngster’s nerves settled and it looked like she was going to take the fight right up to her more experienced opponent.

Cooke started to find her feet and her ground stroke speeds increased as a result of the better preparation.

But with the second set all tied up at 2-2, Campbell found a way to steady.

She adjusted to Cooke’s lift and actually started to use the increased power from her opponent to hit even harder and flatter.

The pace of ball through the hardcourt surface continued to rush the youngster and ultimately allowed Campbell to dictate many points to take the final four games in a row.

Tournament organiser Michael Levy commended both women on a brilliant final, but also spoke of the necessity of women such as Campbell and Cooke participating to ensure the health of the local tennis scene moving forward.

“Young up and coming females like Meg need other female players that are at or even above their level playing in Benalla,” he said.

“The young girls can and should hit with the males, but we also need other women to inspire girls to get involved and stay active for the health of the community.

“Kate is a role model and can ultimately motivate girls and women like Meg to keep improving.

“If Meg doesn't travel or relocate in her first year out of school, Meg will definitely have a much better chance of taking back the women’s number one local ranking next year. But she will have to keep improving because Kate is a quality player and will defend her title.”

Campbell thanked the organisers and other female competitors in this year’s championship and encouraged any local women to become or stay active within sporting clubs throughout the area.

The women’s final is the culmination of a long tennis season at Gardens Tennis Club, with competitions and coaching to likely to restart at the hardcourts and Benalla Lawn in early spring.

Gardens Tennis Club will continue to offer some reduced social hitting and coaching sessions throughout the winter.

For any inquiries and to fight the cold by staying active, contact the Gardens Tennis Club on 0433 520 809 or Mark McDonald at Benalla Lawn.

Gardens and Lawn tennis will be looking to increase participation for the 2025-26 seasons and encourage anyone, especially females, to join in the comps and utilise the facilities.