Forget age, Ebden on rise again

A DESIRE to reach his full potential is driving Matthew Ebden’s latest surge, with the resilient all-court player tipping the best is yet to come.

The 30-year-old defeated American up-and-comer Frances Tiafoe 6-3, 6-2 at the Brisbane International in a continuation of the form he showed at the back end of last year, to set up a second round clash with Nick Kyrgios.

Ranked 699 in the world 12 months ago, Ebden is sitting in 76th spot and just shy of the career-best No. 61 he achieved in 2012.

The South African-born Perth product enjoyed many years of consistency either side of the top 100 before injury interrupted.

Now over a knee complaint that set him back in 2016, Ebden says his game is more evolved and age is not a factor.

“For sure I’m a better player, whether or not that shows in rankings yet is to be seen,” he said.

“Nearing the end of my 20s, you start thinking this isn’t for ever . . . but I know the level I can play at, you don’t lose that, it’s not a fluke.

“I think I can do a lot better than I’ve done in the past and that’s what motivated me to get back up again.”

Ebden will give himself every chance of spoiling Kyrgios’s return from a hip injury when they meet for the first time.

Kyrgios was surprised to learn of the extent of Ebden’s resurgence, but says he has always rated his more senior compatriot.

“I didn’t even know that he started [the 2017 season] outside 500,” he said.

“He’s always had potential to be a very good player, he’s a great athlete and confidence goes a long way in the sport and if he gets a bit of confidence with his game style he’s tough to beat.”

Meanwhile, Australian qualifier John-Patrick Smith fell 6-4, 7-5 in his first round clash with German eighth seed Mischa Zverev. World No.218 Smith, ranked 185 spots lower than Zverev, had snuck into the main draw late on Sunday in the last of the qualifying matches.