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AKARTA: Sole Indonesian hopeful, Aldila Sutjiadi, and her partner, Indian Rutuja Bhosale, choked in the junior girls’ doubles semifinals round of the Australian Open, losing 6-3, 6-1 to Gabrielle Andrews and Taylor Townsend from the US on Thursday.

Aldila (No. 80 in ITF combined ranking) and Bhosale (No. 75) failed to handle the much-more experienced Andrews (No. 48) and Townsend (No. 233 in doubles), who produced two aces in the two-set game.

Despite the loss, the 16-year-old Indonesian made history for the country in Grand Slam events after years of absence from junior matches.

Indonesian Tennis Association (PELTI) deputy chief Ferry Raturandang said that Aldila’s journey to the Australian Open was a good thing, especially for the tennis player herself.

“Making a career in tennis means that you have to start things individually. You have to get the money, either from sponsor or parents, to go around the world, participating in tours to earn points and world rankings.

“The achievement is a good thing for her. We’ve seen her potential, and it is very promising,” Ferry told The Jakarta Post.

Ferry said that PELTI would continue following Aldila’s accomplishments in future international events. “If in one moment we need her for any team event and she’s qualified, we will surely get help to financially support her.”

Separately, former national coach Deddy Prasetyo said that Aldila’s achievement had boosted her confidence. “It is good enough, although she did it in doubles. [Her latest achievement] can boost her confidence for the next Grand Slam in Europe, such as the French Open or Wimbledon.”