Home-schooling was the right decision for Alexandra Leatu.
For one thing, had the 17-year-old attended high school in Littleton, Leatu might not have been this year’s women’s Denver City Open singles champion. She defeated Yana Ruegsegger 6-4, 6-0 Sunday morning.
“She really started to do well on the national level,” said her father, Valentin. “That’s when we decided that home-schooling was the best for her, and she can focus on both school and tennis and have the flexibility of traveling.”
Born in Steamboat Springs, Leatu first picked up skating and skiing before picking up a tennis racket at the age of 5. As Leatu began to grow, so did her interest in tennis. Since then, Leatu, who stands 5-feet-10, has entered international and national tournaments, in addition to playing in three professional tournaments in June.
“I haven’t won a singles tournament in a while,” said Leatu, who will attend Vanderbilt in the fall. “It’s been tough, but it’s nice to get a title under my belt and beat some really good players.”
Leatu’s game was pretty in pink Sunday, as she displayed a variety of shots throughout the morning. Leatu trailed only after the third game in the first set, and she controlled the rest of the match. Her strong backhand down the line sealed the win in straight sets.
Picking a school from a list of five wasn’t so easy. Leatu felt Nashville, Tenn., was the closest feeling to being at home and signed her letter of intent Nov. 12.
“I lost sleep over the decision,” Leatu said. “When I visited Vanderbilt, I thought it was a great fit for me academically. With the team and coaches, I felt that it was the best place to play.”
August will be a busy month for Leatu. She expects to play in a national tournament Aug. 6, her birthday is Aug. 12 and she leaves for her first semester at VU eight days later. She welcomes the opportunity to return to a school environment.
“I think the college experience will enable me to improve in all aspects of life,” Leatu said.
In the men’s final, Cory Ross completed the Littleton sweep of the singles titles, gutting his way through pain to win 2-6, 6-0, 6-2 against Lewis Miller for a fourth Denver City Open championship.
Ross — wearing a white sleeve on his right arm to aid what he referred to as possible tendinitis — appeared to be on his way out like Allen Iverson. Ross dropped the first set and removed his sleeve midway through the first game of the second set.
He won 12 of the final 14 games, making his previous set seem like practice.
“A.I. isn’t playing anymore so I can’t wear the arm sleeve,” said Ross, joking. “This year was more of a struggle physically, because my arm is worse than it’s ever been before.”
Out of all the fans Ross played in front of Sunday, his younger brother probably is No. 1. Casey, 12, was also in the stands in 2003, 2007 and 2009.
After the match concluded, Casey sprinted across the court to complement his big bro on a job well done.
“That’s a special feeling to have someone over there that looks up to you,” Ross said.
Shemar Woods: 303-954-1609 or swoods@denverpost.com
