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A career high for Ebden

- AAP

MATTHEW Ebden has registered the biggest win of his 13-year profession­al career, downing world No.7 Dominic Thiem in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.

The Australian journeyman, who has had a breakout season at 30 years of age, hung tough to beat the French Open finalist 6-4, 6-7 (10-8), 7-6 (7-4).

Ebden twice came within two points of the match in the second set, but it was his recovery from failing to serve out the contest in the decider that spoke most about his resilience.

After breaking the Austrian’s serve to lead 6-5, Ebden had a match point only to lose it when Thiem struck a flukey let cord.

He handed back the break but steeled himself for the tiebreaker, leading from start to finish to claim it and the match.

He’ll now take on German Peter Gojowczyk for a spot in the quarter-finals, another win likely to propel him into the world’s top 40 for the first time in his career.

Meanwhile Alex de Minaur’s late season charge has continued with the Australian winning through to the second round.

De Minaur held his nerve to beat big-serving Canadian Vasek Pospisil, 6-4, 7-6 (7-4).

The 19-year-old held on to an early break and kept his nose ahead in the first set.

Pospisil couldn’t crack the world No.33, blowing five break point opportunit­ies including four in one game.

Games stayed on serve in the second set, which went to a tiebreaker.

De Minaur then made quick inroads into the Canadian’s serve, streaking ahead to a 6-1 advantage.

It took four match points but he eventually served out the match.

 ?? Picture: GETTY IMAGES ?? HOT FORM: Matthew Ebden on his way to beating Dominic Thiem yesterday.
Picture: GETTY IMAGES HOT FORM: Matthew Ebden on his way to beating Dominic Thiem yesterday.

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