Aussie Ascendance: “All of us really feel actually good on the courts” | 21 September, 2023 | All Information | Information and Options | Information and Occasions

A string of Australian males are constructing on career-best seasons as ATP tournaments resume in China.

9 Australians are at the moment ranked contained in the world’s high 100, with others impressed to observe of their path – 4 Australians certified for tournaments in Zhuhai and Chengdu.

Philip Sekulic, a kind of qualifiers, made probably the most of his first ATP-level essential draw look in Chengdu, recording an eye-opening upset.

There have been a number of Australian winners as first spherical main-draw marches have been accomplished in Zhuhai.

Zhuhai, China

In an all-Australian showdown, Marc Polmans defeated Dane Sweeny 6-3 6-1, within the opening spherical of the primary draw.

The 26-year-old, who’s at the moment ranked No.152, secured his first ATP-level win since his first-round Wimbledon triumph in 2021.

“It’s not at all times straightforward to play in opposition to somebody you realize so properly and also you prepare and practise with,” Polmans defined.

“I knew it was going to be a tough match taking part in in opposition to Dane. We’ve already performed 3 times this yr so I’m completely happy I used to be in a position to get the win this time.”

Each Australians accomplished profitable qualifying campaigns in Zhuhai, together with Alex Bolt and Luke Saville.

Polmans will now face the No.2 seed Cameron Norrie in what will probably be a milestone match in his profession.

“It will likely be the primary time I’m taking part in in opposition to somebody within the high 20, so I’m very excited to get on the market,” Polmans mentioned.

Bolt additionally superior to the second spherical after Diego Schwartzman retired with damage within the second set with the Australian main 6-3 4-2.

“I believe all of us have been glad to be taking part in right here and assume all of us really feel actually good on the courts, which is displaying,” Polmans added.

“I actually get pleasure from having the Aussie boys round.”

Rinky Hijikata can also be in the primary draw having certified by advantage of his career-high No.72 rating.

Chengdu, China

Philip Sekulic made his ATP main-draw debut a memorable one, with a 7-5 5-7 6-3 upset over Nuno Borges of Portugal on the Chengdu 250 event.

After his first profitable ATP Tour qualifying run, Sekulic battled for 2 hours and 35 minutes to document his first victory in dramatic trend over the world No.88 within the first spherical.

The 20-year-old from Subiaco, Western Australia, is at the moment ranked No.325 and it was his first time going through a participant within the high 100.

Sekulic’s checklist of milestones continues to develop, as he’ll subsequent face world No.18 Lorenzo Musetti.

Jordan Thompson received the higher of his doubles accomplice and fellow Sydneysider Max Purcell 6-2 7-6[8], in Chengdu’s opening spherical.

A robust first set from Thompson noticed him contend seven break factors on the Purcell serve, the place he capitalised on two of them.

He’ll now face Serbian world No.52 Dusan Lajovic for a spot within the quarterfinals.

In the meantime, Chris O’Connell claimed his seventeenth match win of the yr to advance to the second spherical on the Chengdu, China ATP 250.

O’Connell defeated qualifier Alibek Kachmazov 7-6[3] 6-4 to arrange a gathering with world No.95 Taro Daniel from Japan.

Li Tu scored a spot in the primary draw as a fortunate loser, and put up a robust efficiency in opposition to world No.67 Arthur Rinderknec however fell quick in two tiebreak units.