RISING TENNIS ACE UPBEAT AFTER LOSS
RISING tennis star James Brushfield says he will take plenty of positives out of his performance at this year’s Victorian Grasscourt Championships, despite narrowly missing out on a place in the main draw.
After accounting for Robert Shoesmith 6-3 6-3 in the morning, Brushfield fell in straight sets to former champion Matthew Hicks at the final hurdle.
It was the same stage of the tournament he bowed out in 2016 but the 24-year-old was upbeat after yesterday’s loss and said he felt as good as he could remember about his game.
“It was a tough match and I had a few chances but at the end of the day he is a very good player,” Brushfield said.
“He has won this tournament before and he’s gone on and done a lot of great things in tennis and you haven’t won until you’re shaking hands.
“I feel like I achieved more this tournament (than last year) because I’m playing a lot better. Matt is a very good player so while there is disappointment in losing, he’s a great player so you tell yourself that and it makes it a little bit easier.”
Brushfield will now spend time preparing for regional tournaments before recommencing with Wandana Heights in Section One of the Tennis Geelong summer competition.
He said it was a near certainty that he would be back to try to go one better at next year’s Victorian Grasscourt Championships.
“It’s hard to say no when the tournament is in your backyard and I think the grass courts are getting a bit better,” he said.
“It’s really nice having people down and watching you, and it’s been a great tournament, I’ve enjoyed it.
“With a few ITFs around the corner, going into Mildura in a couple of months’ time, it is good grass practice for that.
“Every time you play it is good experience, so you just try to learn from the losses and take some positives from the wins.”