After earning his stripes as a Grand Slam player in the doubles, Williamstown’s Andrew Whittington arrived in his own right today.
The 23-year-old, a product of the Liston Tennis Club, emerged victorious in his first career Australian Open men’s singles main draw appearance.
Whittington overcame oppressive heat on court 15 to beat Czech Republic’s 72nd ranked Adam Pavlasek in four gruelling sets 6-4 4-6 6-2 6-3.
“It’s an amazing feeling in front of your home crowd and in front of your family and friends,” Whittington, ranked 194th in the world, said.
“I can’t thank them enough for being loud and helping me through today.
“It was an unbelievable feeling out there and it was great to get the win.”
Whittington, a one-time quarter finalist in the doubles, made the perfect start, taking the opening set to settle his nerves.
He achieved the first and only break of the first set and it gave him plenty of belief.
“That was the biggest thing for me getting that first set under my belt,” Whittington said.
“I played a really loose game in the second set to drop that, but I still backed myself and my game with what I’ve done over the preseason, so to do it in four and not in five was nice on the legs as well.”
A critical point in the match came early in the third set.
After dropping the first game, Whittington was staring at 30-40 on his serve, and Pavlasek was looming large.
With the eyes of the world watching, Whittington showed his incredible fighting spirit, roaring back to defend his serve and went on to get the break in the next game.
“That was a big game for me,” Whittington said.
“I think I saved a couple of break points as well and I actually broke in the next game, which was pivotal in the match, I think.
“We got up a break in the third and that’s what I wanted.”
Pavlasek, who gave as good as he got in the arm wrestle, called the trainer at 4-1 down in the third set.
If there was a hint of gamesmanship about the move, it didn’t work.
Whittington remained focused and more comfortable as the match wore on.
“He was probably trying to take the sting out of the match a little bit, especially it was 4-1 in the third, so I think he was looking for something,” he said. “I just had the ice towel on, head down and it was business as usual when I came out again.”
Whittington will play in the doubles with compatriot Marc Polmans tomorrow.
His next singles match will be on Thursday against either 20th seed Croatian Ivo Karlovic or Argentine Horacio Zebellos, who are locked in a thrilling five-set battle.
“Recovery, that’s the key for me,” Whittington said.
“Obviously go out in the doubles and give that a good crack tomorrow.”
