Despite Johanna Konta making her first clay final in Rabat this week, British Tennis players aren't known for their clay court prowess. Therefore, it represents a wise decision by Britain's Katy Dunne world #299 to search for an ITF outdoor hardcourt tournament. Hemel Hempstead's Katy Dunne used the Spanish W60 Les Franqueses del Valles to end her title drought on the ITF circuit that dates back to 2017. A commanding 7-5, 6-3 victory of the dangerous Spanish World #124 Paula Badosa Gibert in the final represents improved form for Katy Dunne.
Katy Dunne finding form in time for British grass court swing
A career high of World #212 was achieved just over a year ago by Katy Dunne.
This came around the time where she was playing well on grass in British tournaments. It's a tonic for her that she is finding form on the ITF circuit in order to put herself in the frame for wildcards into British WTA grass court events next month. This includes, of course, Wimbledon. Given the buoyancy in British women's tennis at the moment after recent Fed Cup success - it is important for Dunne to show what she can do. Also, there are some tasty ITF events such as the Manchester Trophy. This event always attracts a quality field and it would do Dunne no harm at all to lift this title. There is also the wider goal of attaining Fed Cup involvement as Britain keep making progress in that competition.
An accomplished eye-catching victory for Dunne over fellow Brit Jodie Anna Burrage
Arguably, Katy Dunne's best performance came in her tensely tight semi-final victory over fellow Brit Jodie Anna Burrage, 4-6. 7-5, 6-2. This match was Dunne's worst first serve percentage of the week: 61%. This forced Dunne to produce more from the ground and grind out points.
This is something she did really well in the final two sets .19-year-old Burrage is seen as another Brit seen as having a bright future. It was a good victory for Dunne to show where she's at. It's not unreasonable for the Hemel Hempstead lass to target the top 100 in the not-so-distant future.
Katy Dunne is a part of the Brit-pack
Katie Boulter, Katie Swan, Harriet Dart and Gabriella Taylor are all young British players with the talent to make inroads on the WTA rankings. Katy Dunne needs to be firmly added to the list. Although, older than some of these at 24 years-old, Dunne is still a blossoming talent. Don't expect to see much of Katy Dunne on clay, but she will be honing her skills for the grass season. It's been a slow burner of a season so far for the Hemel Hempstead player, but this recent spurt in form is just what the doctor ordered. Katy Dunne needs to work on her first service accuracy, as when she gets this above 70 per cent she is a formidable force. The future is still bright for Katy Dunne.