Doubles delight for Freya Christie and Sam Murray Sharan at W50 Roehampton
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There was a mix of international and British success at the ITF W50 event in Roehampton this weekend with Switzerland's Lulu Sun lifting the singles title, and the British pairing of Freya Christie and Sam Murray Sharan claiming victory in the doubles draw.
The international tournaments are part of the LTA’s Performance Competitions Calendar which provides significantly enhanced opportunities for British players at each age and stage of the performance player pathway on home soil.
22-year-old Lulu Sun had an impressive run to the final, not dropping a set and defeating players including Mika Stojsavljevic, as well as Nikola Bartunkova from the Czech Republic in the semi-final.
In the final round, seventh seeded Sun faced world No.125 Heather Watson for the second time so far in 2024. Sun first defeated Watson 6-4, 6-3 at the Australian Open qualifying, before going on to take the win against the British No.4 at the National Tennis Centre 7-5, 7-5 in just over an hour and 45 minutes.
“It feels amazing, and to be against Heather, an amazing player, I really had to dig deep. Throughout the whole week I’ve been enjoying my time here in Roehampton. It’s a very nice facility here at the National Tennis Centre. I’ve really enjoyed my time here” Sun said after her sixth ITF singles title win.
Sun then headed straight to the airport to catch a flight to Dubai, where she was playing in the WTA 1000 Dubai Duty Free Championships, courtesy of a wildcard facing Paula Badosa in the first round today.
There was British representatives in the women’s doubles final, with the experienced team of Freya Christie and Sam Murray Sharan overcoming the third seeds Ali Collins and Elena Malygina 7-6(5), 6-3. This was the second seeds first title as a pair since 2018. This win sees Murray Sharan climb into the WTA top 250.
LTA Tournament Director Amy Grant said,“The National Tennis Centre has provided an incredible backdrop for a competitive and exciting week of tennis. The players have benefited from the fantastic facilities, and we received great local support throughout the week.
"Within a strong playing field, it has been great to see so many British players in action, including success in the Doubles and a Singles Finalist. Thank you to the Officials, Venue and Tournament teams for all their efforts to deliver such a successful event.”
Full results and further tournament information can be found here:
