Harry’s prime time best

Tassie star shines bright in biggest moment of career

THE added nerves of a late call-up to Margaret Court Arena during prime time TV were not enough to stop Harry Bourchier from claiming the biggest win of his tennis career.

Tasmania’s only professional player, ranked No.324 in the world, claimed his maiden ATP Tour victory on Monday night, when he defeated fellow Australian Marc Polmans in straight sets at the Murray River Open.

A 6-4, 6-4 result against a player ranked 199 places highaged er confirmed to Bourchier he not only belongs at the top level, but can thrive.

“Obviously a big arena, big court and prime time TV, I had nerves from that and was pretty stoked to play under those conditions,” Bourchier said.

“It has been a long journey and I finally got my first professional win, (after) a lot of hard work and people supporting me. I really feel I have got a monkey off my back.

“I’ve been hitting with two really good guys, Radu Albot, who is top 100, and another Aussie Jason Kubler.

“I was mixing it with those guys in practice, so I know my level is there, it is just proving it on the match court.”

Making the victory more special was the fact the 25year-old only found out hours earlier he would even be stepping onto the court. Bourchier was first alternate for the Australian

Open lead-up event, earning his spot in the field when Bernard Tomic withdrew through injury.

While Tomic’s critics were quick to line up the controversial former star, it took none of the shine off Bourchier’s breakthrough performance.

“It was a weird one, I had no real time to think about the match before getting the callup. “The day before he said he was going to withdraw, but

Bernard being Bernard, I didn’t really believe it, I thought he was just taking the mickey.

“I was prepared as being first alternate … I was lucky I had four hours to get ready.”

Bourchier’s moment in the spotlight came three weeks after he fell in the opening round of qualifying in Doha for next week’s Australian Open.

It has also set up a second round showdown against good friend Nick Kyrgios, who manto beat Frenchman Alexandre Muller in three sets on Tuesday afternoon.

“I am really looking forward to it, hopefully he does get through his match,” Bourchier said before the match.

“If he does make it, I will definitely be ready and excited to play him.

“You always want to do well at any tournament, this one especially I can play freely knowing I am an alternate and I am just lucky to get into it.

“I just want to make the most of my opportunity that I get.”