Mitch’s out, not down

BEN Mitchell has been knocked out of the Canberra Challenger – but not before proving he can still cut it with the elite players.

The 25-year-old pushed German world No.69 Florian Mayer all the way in a tight 6-4 7-6 second-round loss yesterday.

Mitchell jumped out of the blocks well against the second seed to be up a break at 3-1 in the opening set but couldn’t hold on to his advantage. It proved costly. However the close nature of the match, only months after returning from a hiatus, should be a confidence booster for the Gold Coaster.

The result followed Mitchell’s first-up 3-6 6-3 6-1 win over countryman Dane Propoggia. – CONNOR O’BRIEN