Aug. 9, 1999

Harel Levy and Florencia Labat claimed the singles crowns at the 1999Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships on Sunday, delighting the near-capacitycrowd at the Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center with their inspired play.

Levy claimed the men’s title by besting hard-serving Kevin Kim,6-4, 7-6(4). Levy, who ousted former UK All-American Cedric Kauffmann and No. 1 seedAnthony DuPuis en route to the final, leaped in celebration when Kim hit intothe net on match point.

“This is my first win on the challenger level,” the 209th-ranked Levysaid. “I just celebrated my birthday three days ago, and this is a very nicepresent.”

On the women’s side, Florencia Labat rallied from a second-set letdownto claim the women’s title, edging Australian sensation Annabel Ellwood, 6-2,5-7, 6-1. After the two split sets, Labat stormed out to an early 5-1 lead inthe third and held on to take the win.

Labat also claimed the doubles crown, teaming with Alexandra Fusai tobest Eun-Ha Kim and 1998 Fifth Third Champion Julie Pullin, 6-4, 6-1. FusaiandLabat, ranked 45th on the WTA Tour as a duo, rolled through the Fifth Thirddraw, not dropping a set in their title run.

Fifth Third Bank Tennis Championships

Hilary J. Boone Tennis Center
Lexington, Ky.

Men’s Singles Final

Harel Levy d. Kevin Kim             6-4, 7-6 (4)

Women’s Singles Final

Florencia Labat d. Annabel Ellwood  6-2, 5-7, 6-1

Women’s Doubles Final

Labat/Fusai d. Kim/Pullin           6-4, 6-1