Hardy, 15, won the $16,000 Gladstone AMT girls' under 18s singles title after defeating local star Katarina Dikosavljevic when she was forced to retire with Hardy leading 5-4 in the opening set.

The No.3 seed romped through the tournament without dropping a set and also won a round in the open women's singles before bowing out to eventual winner Sophie Let- cher, and teamed with Sean Royal to reach the semi-finals of the mixed doubles.

"I'm really happy with winning Gladstone," Hardy said.

"I was disappointed with my early form but by the time the semis rolled around I found my rhythm and thankfully, was able to go on with it."

Hardy gave Letcher her toughest match of the tournament before succumbing 6-3 6-3.

"I played poorly against Sophie but I'm pleased I took six games off her," Hardy said.

"She's ranked No.36 in Australia, which is 135 above me, so I guess that's one positive to come out of the loss."

Hardy will earn valuable Australian rankings points for her win, but her focus has already shifted to Darwin.

"I want to do well in Darwin because there are two opportunities to win ITF points and to gain an international ranking, and it's also an opportunity to compete against quality international opposition."

She competed in ITF events in New Zealand earlier this year, reaching the consolation final in Auckland, an impressive performance in what was her debut overseas campaign.