Two from three not bad for Gardiner

Trailing 4-2 in the deciding set, David Gardiner’s back was firmly pinned against the wall.

Cobh’s tennis prodigy had travelled to Fitzwilliam tennis club in Dublin with the sole aim of annexing the Irish U18 Open title and despite sweeping to the final’s first set 6-1, his descent thereafter had been a swift one.

Opponent Philip Sheehan romped to the second 6-1, capturing an early break in the third.

“I was really nervous at this stage,” admitted Gardiner.

“I’m not often in that position. I was disappointed to lose the second set and the final set was so tough.”

Crucially, the 16-year old managed to break back, forcing a tie-break which he took 8-6.

The 16-year old returned later in the afternoon with partner Eoin McGovern for the doubles final and though he put in a storming effort, he had no joy this time.

Hardly surprising really, given Sheehan had played 14 matches over the week, stepping onto the court three times on two particular days.

The hectic schedule first yielded dividends on Friday evening when Gardiner partnered fellow Cobh native Rachel Daly to the mixed doubles title.

“It was a hugely pleasing week to take two of the three titles on offer,” Gardiner continued.

“I got off to a good start winning the mixed doubles 6-4, 6-3. It was tough to get back up on Saturday morning for the singles final as I had my singles semi-final on Friday, before the mixed doubles final.

“I had been sleeping between games during the week, but later in the week I was finding it really tough. You can’t train for that amount of games in such a short period.

“Waking up on Sunday morning with two national titles was great, even though the body was tired.”

Ever since capturing the U16 equivalent last year, Gardiner has been marked out as the rising star in Irish tennis and the youngster’s rigorous training plan has ensured his trajectory moves in only the one direction, and now he’s setting his sights on even bigger goals.

“I would love to get a scholarship to America once the Leaving Cert is done next June. The big leagues are where I want to be.”