- Emerson Jones, 15, lost junior girls’ final to Renata Jamrichova
- Slovakian top seed cruised to a 6-4, 6-1 victory in 61 minutes
- Last local to win junior title was Siobhan Drake-Brockman in 1995
A rising star compared in some quarters to former world No 1 Ash Barty has fallen agonisingly short in her quest for glory at the Australian Open.
Gold Coast raised Emerson Jones was looking to emulate the 1995 feat of Siobhan Drake-Brockman – but was beaten in straight sets by Slovakian top seed Renata Jamrichova in the junior girls’ singles final on Saturday.
Victory would seen Jones, 15, the first local to win the silverware in 29 years.
Poor serving at times and repeated unforced errors proved to be Jones’ undoing, with Jamrichova producing faultless tennis to show why she is a name to remember.
In a touching moment post match, the girls shared a cuddle on Jones’ players’ bench ahead of the trophy presentation.
Emerson Jones was looking to be the first local to win the Australian Open junior girls singles title since Siobhan Drake-Brockman in 1995
Slovakian top seed Renata Jamrichova proved to be a class above, winning in straight sets
Poor serving at times and repeated unforced errors proved to be Emerson Jones’ undoing
Commentator Jess Webster spoke for many fans when she labelled the embrace a ‘beautiful moment.’
The Aussie was also humble in defeat, praising the crowd on Rod Laver Arena.
‘Thank you to everyone that supported me throughout the week,’ Jones said.
‘It was an amazing experience with all the support…and congratulations to Renata, you totally deserved it.’
After winning her quarter-final and semi-final on Australia Day, Jones eventually ran out of steam, with Jamrichova quick to capitalise.
Jones comes from elite sporting genes – her mother Loretta Harrop won silver at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in the triathlon and her father was a champion AFL player in Queensland.
Good judges have also touted her older brother Hayden as one to watch on court.