Australian tennis pro Matthew Ebden qualifies for Brisbane International
Matthew Ebden from West Australia will compete in his second straight Brisbane International tournament after he progressed through qualifying rounds by scoring a straight sets victory over fellow countryman Greg Jones.
Ebden was denied a wildcard for entry into the tournament and was thus forced to earn his way into the Brisbane event. The tournament organizers chose to give the card to 18-year-old Bernard Tomic, who was sent packing after a straight sets defeat in his
first match.
Matthew Ebden was also forced to play six sets over duration of two matches when rain and inclement weather delayed the scheduled matches on the first day of qualifying rounds. He won through both his challenges, first defeating Victor Crivoi from Romania
in three sets 6-2, 4-6, 7-5 and then combating Slovenian player Grega Zemlja to win 5-7, 7-6(1), 6-4.
Ebden, a Commonwealth Games bronze medallist, finished his run for a wild card after defeating Greg Jones in easy sets 6-4, 6-1. This was adequate revenge for the Delhi Games, in which Jones did bested Ebden out of the silver medal. This victory is one of
Ebden’s strongest wins, and is reminiscent of another match last year. He managed to defeat Austrian tennis pro Jurgen Melzer, who is currently World Number 11, after fighting his way into the main draw of the event.
The right handed player will compete in his first match in the main draw tomorrow, with an as-yet-undecided opponent. Ebden has performed consistently throughout the past year, and his efforts have rewarded him with a wildcard to this month’s Grand Slam,
as well as praise from Australia’s Number 1, Lleyton Hewitt.
Hewitt says, “If he continues to work hard, stay positive, gain confidence in his game and give it all he's got, then he has a chance to do well. Matt is one of hundreds of players striving to make the top 100. It's not an easy caper, but he's definitely
a chance. I like Matt, and for his sake and (the sake of) Australian tennis, I hope he can achieve his goals and reap the rewards of his work."
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