CHRISTIAN MAKES HISTORY
First Malaysian in 39 years to win junior Grand Slam first round tie
RISING tennis star Christian Didier Chin created history by becoming the first Malaysian to win a junior Grand Slam first round match in almost four decades yesterday. And he did so in the Australian Open Junior Championships at Melbourne Park where Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer are competing in the men’s singles event.
Christian, the World No 44 in the ITF junior rankings, overcame 48th-ranked Thomas Bosancic of Australia 3-6, 6-0, 7-6 (7-3) to book his place in the second round. Bosancic is Australia’s top ranked junior.
The Sabahan will play Wojciech Marek of Poland tomorrow for a spot in the third round.
He will first partner Siddhant Banthia of India in the first round of the boys’ doubles today. The duo will play Bosancic and George Loffhagen of Great Britain.
Christian, who secured a direct entry into the main draw, said the win was memorable as it was his first since opening round defeats in three recent events.
“It was a close match and the atmosphere was great with many fans watching us play. I think it was the match of the day ( juniors) here,” said the 17-year-old.
“It was really tight in the first set but then I just tried to relax and enjoy the match from the second set which I subsequently won 6-0.
“I saved four match points before winning the tie break in the third set.
“Finally, after losing a lot of matches in the United States and Europe, I feel that I have rediscovered my form. I was trying to be someone else then but I am just playing my own game now and enjoying it.
“It’s an important win for me and I have another match (Marek) which I feel I can win. It is a big opportunity for me, I will fight hard and enjoy every moment.”
Suresh Menon was the first Malaysian to win a match at a junior Grand Slam when he reached the second round at Wimbledon in 1979. Christian is only the second Malaysian to achieve the feat.
National coach Adam Jaya, who is with Christian in Australia, praised the player for his performance.
“This is his first junior Grand Slam and the occasion got to him in the first set. He was tight and he felt stressed but he showed great character to come back strongly.
“He showed great fighting spirit and never gave up. He stepped up in the tie break and did well on the big points.
“This is a great win for the country and I hope it will inspire players back home.
“Christian, however, still needs to maintain focus and take each match at a time. He needs to forget this win and focus on getting as far as possible in the tournament,’ said Adam.