On the same court where the world's top women are currently contesting the Shiseido WTA Finals, two young Americans swept the titles at the WTA Future Stars tournament in Shenzhen, China, in the buildup to the WTA's 2019 finale.

 

Reese Brantmeier, 15, won the invitational 16-and-under singles tournament, while Clervie Ngounoue, 13, took the under-14 singles title. More than just a tournament, the experience provided both young women an inside look at the game's highest level as they rubbed shoulders with the WTA's elite.

 

Wisconsin native Brantmeier, a quarterfinalist in girls' singles as a wild card at the US Open, defeated Canada’s Anabelle Xu, 6-3, 6-4, to win the 16s title.  

 

“I was honored just to get the email saying I was invited, so to win it is something truly special that I’m never going to forget,” Brantmeier told wtatennis.com.

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The American’s favorite experience of the week was being a part of the WTA Finals Opening Gala and Draw Ceremony. Her schedule for the rest of 2019 includes some professional events on the ITF World Tennis Tour, as well as two top-tier junior events: Eddie Herr and the Orange Bowl.

 

Ngounoue, of Washington, D.C., was a straight-sets winner in the 14s final, topping Canada’s Kayla Cross, 6-2, 7-6. 

 

“It’s super special to win, I feel amazing,” Ngounoue told wtatennis.com after the match. “Playing on the stadium court… it’s such a great experience.”

 

To top it all off, she met reigning US Open champion Bianca Andreescu after her title triumph.

 

For more on the Brantmeier, Ngounoue, and the WTA Future Stars tournament, visit the WTA website. The Shiseido WTA Finals Shenzhen are taking place this week.