Isner slaying puts Ebden’s sights on Open’s top 50
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 for the tournament, was someone Ebden had been unable to beat in three previous encounters.
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 told the Herald Sun, that opponent being 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. Now 30, Ebden has clawed his way back to 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 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.”