By DAVE WORSLEY
GD Jones won his first Auckland senior championships with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over Davis Cup team member James Shortall yesterday.
In blustery conditions at Vodafone Tennis Park, both players struggled at first in the wind and with the sun after they had played most of the earlier rounds indoors.
The first set appeared as if it was heading for a quick result as Jones broke Shortall's serve in the fourth game for a 3-1 lead and then got up to a 4-2 scoreline.
Shortall broke back to make the score 4-4 before Jones, the world No 43-ranked junior, took out the set 6-4.
In the second set Shortall found himself down 2-5, but then broke Jones' serve and held his own to make it 4-5.
However, Jones won his serve on a deuce game and took the match.
With the Auckland title under his belt, Jones will now play in the 18s nationals starting today at North Harbour, which is further preparation for the Residentials champs which start on Wednesday.
"I don't think it was the highest quality match and Shorty [Shortall] will probably say the same. I'm happy to get the win to kick-start the summer of tournaments for me," Jones said.
The win strengthens Jones' position for a potential wildcard into either the qualifying or main draw of the Heineken Open next month.
However, the coy 17-year-old says it's not up to him to make the decision on wildcards.
"All I can do is let my results speak for themselves and let my racquet do the talking," said Jones.
In the women's final, New Zealand No 1 Shelley Stephens overcame former international Niki Tippins 6-2, 6-1.
It was Stephens' first Auckland championship title.
Tennis: Super start to the summer
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