Giant slayer Ebden surprises himself
SO focused was Matthew Ebden on his first-round Australian Open clash he was caught off guard when asked post-match about his next opponent.
Big-serving American John Isner, the 16th seed, was someone Ebden had been unable to beat in three previous clashes.
Yesterday, the Australian got one back in a meticulous dismantling.
At his favourite Grand Slam and with a vocal home crowd behind him at Margaret Court Arena, Ebden continued his resurgence from world No.699 this time last year to top-20 slayer with a four-set triumph, 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 6-3.
“I didn’t even know who I would play next round until the interviewer asked me on court,” Ebden said of his next opponent, Ukrainian Alexandr Dolgopolov.
“I didn’t look at the draw. That’s just respect for John. It’s not my biggest win but it’s definitely a great win.
“I executed things well and stepped over the line well and found a good energy and positivity with the crowd with what I was doing out there so it was really enjoyable.”
The victory pushed the West Australian into the second round for just the third time in seven attempts at Melbourne Park while Isner was sent packing in the opening round of a Grand Slam for the first time since the 2014 Australian Open.
Ebden, 30, has clawed his way back to world No.78 since the knee injury that ruined his 2016 season and put his ranking in free fall.
Ebden’s career-high ranking is No.61 but, now feeling as good as he ever has about his game, the top 50 is in his sights.
“I think it (my ranking) could be a lot higher than that,” Ebden said.
“I’ve beaten guys in the top 20, I’ve beaten guys in the top 10. I’m doing that a lot more consistently now and, of course, that’s where I want to be. I only broke the top 70 when I was 23, not when I was 18 or 19. So I feel like I’ll have that extra five years even from now that I’ll still be able to play at a very high level.”
Queenslander Jason Kubler put up a fight against 10th seed Pablo Carreno Busta before falling 7-5, 4-6, 7-5, 6-1.
South Australian Alex Bolt was also a first-round casualty, going down to Serbian Viktor Troicki in five sets, 6-7, 4-6, 6-2, 6-3, 6-4.
Nick Kyrgios has maintained his perfect record in the first round of the Australian Open, making short work of Brazilian opponent Rogerio Dutra Silva.
Australia’s top hope of ending a 40-year wait for a homegrown winner at Melbourne Park eased into the second round with a 6-1 6-2 6-4 win over the world No.100, helped by 16 aces.
The 22-year-old Australian star was off the court in 95 minutes.
Kyrgios will play Viktor Troicki tomorrow.
I DIDN’T LOOK AT THE DRAW. THAT’S JUST RESPECT FOR JOHN. MATTHEW EBDEN