TWO Hamilton tennis players have impressed in recent weeks at opposite sides of the state.

Willow Sainsbury, 22, and Amelie Shrive, 12, contested the Warrnambool Grasscourt Open last month with both reaching the final.

Sainsbury said her efforts exceeded her expectations going into the event.

“I played in the Open singles and Open doubles in the women’s and came runner-up in singles and won the doubles,” she said.

“I am very happy and pleased with how I went.”

The right-hand aggressive baseliner also trekked north, playing in Yarrawonga at the Interregional Country Championships, reaching yet another final.

Sainsbury contested the Open Singles, Open Mixed and 25 Doubles, finishing runner-up in the latter.

Balancing singles and doubles requires plenty of training and cohesion, but the local said she can’t split the two in terms of which she enjoys more.

“I like both singles and doubles,” she said.

“I just go in and try my best and stick to my game and hope for the best.”

Shrive was also in action in Warrnambool at the grasscourt open, finishing runner-up in the Under-12 Girls Doubles.

“I think I played pretty well,” she said.

“We were hitting pretty well, so we were confident going into the final.”

The pair will return to Warrnambool in March for another tournament on the Labour Day weekend.

With events running more regularly, it is easier for each of the players to keep their touch, with Sainsbury in particular struggling during the COVID-impacted years.

“It all came back pretty quick, I’d keep hitting against the wall and the rebound net and keep fitness up during covid,” she said.

The March event will also give more experience to the players on grass surfaces, Sainsbury’s favourite.

“I do like grass courts, it is my favourite surface,” she aid.

“I like the low bounce and how quick it comes through.

Until then, the pair will continue to train and keep their fitness levels up and will be hoping to go one better in March.