Belgium’s Jeline Vandromme achieved a remarkable milestone as she claimed the US Open girls’ singles title on Saturday, overcoming Sweden’s Lea Nilsson in a final characterized by resilience and skill, finishing 7-6(2) 6-2. Vandromme, who had previously fought back from a 2-4 deficit in the first set, expressed her pride and honor in securing the championship not only for herself but also for her country.
Reflecting on her strategy during the match, Vandromme stated, “I just tried to not focus on the fact that I’m 2-4 or 0-2 down. I focused on every point and my tasks on court, forgetting the score along the way.”
The tournament saw Vandromme, seeded 14th, rise through the draw with determination. British players Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic, seeded second and ninth respectively, also made notable runs before meeting Vandromme and Nilsson in the semi-finals. Klugman notably had to rally from a set and a break down against India’s Maaya Rajeshwaran Revathi in the earlier rounds, showcasing her fighting spirit with a 6-7(1) 6-4 6-3 victory to advance.
Klugman continued her momentum by edging past Czech rival Julie Pastikova in three sets and then defeating fifth seed Julia Stusak decisively, 6-3 6-2, before falling to Vandromme in the semi-finals. Stojsavljevic, who was the defending champion, took a slightly different path, advancing comfortably in her early matches but eventually succumbing to Nilsson, who performed exceptionally well in her semi-final match-up.
In the championship match, Vandromme continued to display the form that has defined her summer season. Having not lost a set throughout the tournament, her dominant streak included victories over top competitors, allowing her to enter the final with confidence. Vandromme’s composure was crucial in the first set as she traded momentum with Nilsson, eventually capturing the set in a tiebreaker after a series of intense exchanges. Once the tiebreak was clinched, she exhibited a new level of ease that translated into a strong performance in the second set, winning four consecutive games to establish control.
This title represents a significant achievement for Vandromme, as she becomes the first Belgian girl to lift a major trophy since An-Sophie Mestach at the Australian Open in 2011. Additionally, she joins a prestigious list of Belgian girls’ singles Grand Slam champions within the Open Era, which includes notable players like Justine Henin and Kirsten Flipkens.
With her recent performances, Vandromme has now accumulated an impressive 23-match winning streak across all levels, marked by a newfound confidence and dedication to her craft. This win at the US Open not only boosts her standing within junior tennis but also exemplifies the hard work she has invested in both her athletic and academic pursuits, as she balances her tennis career with her passion for music.
On the consolation side, while Vandromme celebrated her victory, she expressed empathy for Nilsson, who had made an exceptional run through the ranks as a qualifier. Nilsson’s journey to the final included eliminating seeded players, showcasing her resilience and talent, making her a formidable opponent despite the final outcome.
The inaugural success for Vandromme, coupled with her focus on self-improvement, sets the stage for an exciting future in tennis, where her discipline and passion may lead to further triumphs on the global stage.
