High five for Byrnes
GRASSCOURT specialist Daniel Byrnes made a mockery of Jeremy Beale’s numberone seeding on Saturday, claiming his fifth Victorian Grasscourt Championships title in six years.
The wildcard entrant took just fourteen minutes to win the first set, with Beale unable to register a single winner.
The big-hitting left-hander lifted his game in the second set and challenged Byrnes for the first time, but the 6-2 scoreline flattered the 35th ranked Australian player.
Byrnes, who had flirted briefly with the idea of taking on a coaching role at Geelong Lawn Tennis Club at the end of 2016, admitted the victory came as a slight surprise given his lack of match conditioning, but said he had been eyeing off the tournament all year.
“It was a bit of a shock really, I haven’t played a hell of lot but I always love coming down to play on the grass down here so it was good to get the win,” Byrnes said.
“It’s a really good feeling and I’m getting on a bit in age with tennis, but this really helps my coaching and I really look forward to coming down to Geelong.
“This is one of the tournaments I pencil in each year and I think, so long as I can remain fit and am enjoying playing, I’ll be back. It will be good to try to come back and defend the title.”
Byrnes, who hails from Melbourne, adapted quickly to the difficult conditions, with wind and humidity causing a few headaches for his opponent at the opposite end of the court.
The 33-year-old, who had previously won in 2012, 2013, 2015 and 2016, said playing Beale could be tough given his inconsistent approach.
“With Bealey he’s very flashy and up and down, so you never know what’s coming,” he said.
“I knew in the second set he would come back strong, and he hit some unbelievable shots, so it was really good to get through that.
“It can be a bit hard and a bit of a mental battle out there, because he has got some big weapons and a big serve and forehand.
“He can hit all the shots really, so you’ve got to try to remain solid and take your chances when you can.”