Christian Chin into second round of Australian Open junior competition
KOTA KINABALU: Christian Didier Chin lifted the hopes of many back home when he won his first round match at the Australian Open in Melbourne Park yesterday.
The up-and-coming tennis player also became the first Malaysian to reach the second round of the junior Grand Slam after Suresh Menon last achieved the same feat at Wimbledon almost 40 years ago in 1979.
Christian clawed from behind to overcome Australian Thomas Bosancic 3-6, 6-0, 7-6, in what was likely the match of the day (juniors competition). The Sabahan youngster will face Wojciech Marek of Poland in a second round match on Monday.
But before that Christian will partner India's Siddhant Banthia in the first round boys' doubles today. The duo will play Bosancic-George Loffhagen of Great Britain.
It was a joyful moment for Christian who managed to support his direct entry with a first round win. Earlier in several tournaments before this, it was not so rosy as the 17-year-old endured back-to-back defeats in opening round matches.
Christian suffered the jitters in the opening set which led Thomas to lower his guard in the second. Christian took the chance and stunned his opponent with a brave performance. Later he went on to win it through a tie break in the decider.
“It was a close match and the atmosphere was great. Many fans watched us play. I think it was the match of the day (juniors).
“I was tight in the first set but I just tried to relax and enjoy the match in the second set and I managed to win it 6-0. It was close again in the third set and I managed to save four match points before winning the tie break.
“Finally after losing a lot of matches in the United States and Europe, I feel that I have rediscovered my game. 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 (against Marek) which I feel I can win. It's a big opportunity for me and I will fight hard and enjoy every moment,” Christian said.