Ben Mitchell earns a wildcard entry to the Australian Open 2013 at Melbourne Park – Tennis News
Aussie youngster, Benjamin Mitchell, had to go through tiresome competitions against his fellow compatriots before earning the wildcard for the coveted Grand Slam tournament, the Australian Open. The 20-year-old defeated Matt Reid
in a gruelling four-setter, 6-3, 7-6(5), 3-6, 6-4, to reach the main draw of the mega event for the second straight time.
Currently holding the 326th in the South African Airways ATP World Tour Rankings, Mitchell has been one of the most promising talents for his country. He was the runner-up at the 2012 Wimbledon junior championship and
has done well on the ATP Challenger Tour so far. Being at a tender age of 20 years, his voyages at the more competitive ATP World Tour have not been successful at all. However, his talents and skills are admired by many and he is thought to be Australia’s
future in professional tennis circuit in the coming years.
Mitchell qualified for the Australian Open main draw last year as well, but his hopes were crushed by the American giant, John Isner, in the very first round. He couldn’t made it to the main rounds of Wimbledon Championships and
the French Open Grand Slam tournaments, failing to clear event the opening qualifying rounds. He has grown into a better player during the past one year and it is hoped that he will register his maiden victory on the ATP World Tour next season, starting it
from the Australian Open campaign.
"I really didn't know how I was going to be today.
“I guess the competitive side of me came out and I really wanted to win,” said the 20-year-old Aussie tennis prodigy. “I'm excited and nervous - hopefully I don't play (Novak) Djokovic or (Roger) Federer (in the first round).”
Mitchell’s recent victory over Reid was a tough one, as he appeared fatigued after winning opening two sets in a competitive manner. He dropped the third set with signs of tiredness but came back strongly in the fourth set to make
sure he become a part of the elite 128-man field at the glorious Melbourne Park. The Australian Open matches are not going to be any easy for the youngster but he is all set to take up the big challenge.
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