6 January 2017 | Tennis ACT

Canberra player James Frawley (ACT) has received direct entry into qualifying at the East Hotel Canberra Challenger 2017.

Ranked 1930 in the world, the unassuming 22-year-old suffered from a back injury for the majority of 2016, but feels ready to go on home turf this weekend.

“I’ve just had a six week training block, including hitting with Nick [Kyrgios] before Hompan in Perth, so I’m well prepared,” Frawley said.

“It’s my first tournament in a while, but I feel fit and healthy and ready to go.”

A regular on the ITF Futures circuit, Frawley won his first Junior ITF title at just 17, coming from a set down to defeat top seed and current world No. 79, Jordan Thompson (NSW) in the final of the Queensland Junior Claycourt International.

Frawley made his ATP main draw debut at the 2015 Malaysian Open, Kuala Lumpur in the doubles draw partnering current world No. 13 Nick Kyrgios (ACT).

In November 2016, Frawley received a doubles wildcard into the main draw of the Apis Canberra International where he reached the quarterfinal round partnering Harry Bourchier (TAS). The pair were ousted by Aussies Steven De Waard (QLD) and Marc Polmans (VIC).

Tournament Director Ross Triffitt said it will be fantastic to see local talent on court this weekend.

“He’s [Frawley] played for Canberra Velocity, he’s Nick Kyrgios’ regular hitting partner, he’s the number two ranked player in the ACT and he’s going to be competing in qualifying over the weekend, so it’s very exciting that we have some local interest in the event,” he said.

Triffitt continued “It’s fantastic to not just have a single star in Nick Kyrgios, we’ve got some fantastic junior players that are now representing Australia as well. I encourage all Canberrans’ to come down to Lyneham to watch the tournament, but particularly in support of our local talent on opening weekend.”

The East Hotel Canberra Challenger 2017 will take place at the Canberra Tennis Centre from 7 – 14 January 2017. Entry from 7 – 13 January is free. Entry on Saturday 14 January – finals day, is by gold coin donation.

Tournament information including Order of Play can be found here.

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