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STORM Sanders yesterday blitzed Japanese opponent Shuko Aoyama at the Launceston Tennis International to take out her first ITF Pro Circuit win.
Sanders previously failed to qualify in the games leading up to Launceston, but came out blazing in a 6-4, 6-4 win to secure the $25,000 prize.
Where windy conditions seemed to throw more opponents, Sanders used it to strengthen her heavy top-spin game.
Still shaking from the match, Sanders said it would be a turning point for her career.
"I did watch Shuko play yesterday, and I knew she would hit the ball flat," she said.
"The wind did help a bit, but I wanted to play safer shots."
Sanders will continue on the circuit interstate after her win in Launceston.
"I'll be heading to Melbourne tonight to play in the Mildura $25,000," she said.
"I definitely have a lot more confidence after beating Olivia (Australian tennis player Olivia Rogowska)."
Runner-up Aoyama said it was unfortunate not to have won.
"She (Sanders) was very competitive, it was a good game," she said.
Tennis Tasmania executive director Mark Handley said the tournament was going strong in its second year.
Handley said one of the biggest benefits of the Launceston Tennis International was seeing emerging talent play at an international level.
"Having this event brings people and international visitors to Launceston as well," he said.
"The players only have to walk across the road to get to their games."
Handley said they would look to grow the tournament as it continued.