Wildcard sweetens tough loss for Emma

EDINBURGH tennis prospect Emma Devine has received a sweetener to the bitter pill of losing in the final of the Scottish under-14 girls open at Craiglockhart, writes BILL LOTHIAN.

Portobello-based Emma, whose tennis future might include a place in a prestigious new international academy in Belgium being set up by former world No.1 Justin Henin and her former coach Carlos Rodriguez, battled all the way before going down in three sets to Glamorgan’s Safyyah Azeez. However, consolation came in the form of a wild card entry to the ITF junior under-18 tournament starting on Monday, also at Craiglockhart.

In yesterday’s final Emma was edged out 7-5 in the first set before taking the next 6-2 to level. However, after racing into a 4-1 lead in the decider, she lost 6-4.

It has still been a successful season for the St Thomas’ of Aquins pupil, whose schedule includes an international tournament Bournemouth later this month before she is one of a number of regional champions invited to Wimbledon for an event in August.

Earlier this year Emma claimed the West of Scotland under-18 title and also triumphed in the East of Scotland seniors.