7 January 2017 | Tennis ACT

The qualifying rounds of the East Hotel Canberra Challenger began today, with Canberra’s James Frawley (ACT) fighting out a tough battle with Australian No. 60 Mislav Bosnjak (SA) winning 6-3, 7-6 [5].

Ranked No. 2 in the ACT, the modest 22-year-old from O’Connor said he was happy to come out in front of a good home crowd and play well.

“It was great, it was my first match of the year, so I was really happy to get that one out of the way”

18-year old Bosnjak was a feisty opponent, however Frawley fought hard to come back in the second set, and held his nerve during a teeth clenching tie-break to take the win.

“Yeah I almost lost it, but it was good to come back in the second [set] and win it,” he said. “Yeah it was a bit of a relief, there was a fair few people watching, so it was good to get the win”.

Frawley’s hitting partner and world No. 13 Nick Kyrgios (ACT) was courtside and showed support for his friend at home.

“It was good. Normally I’m courtside at his matches so it was nice of him to show up and watch me”.

The pair chatted briefly after the match, Kyrgios stating “he [James] played great”.

“He said he liked a few of my shots, and he said he liked the match point, I went for it. Like he would normally do on a big point, just go for it”.

Frawley continued “Last year I was out for most of the year with a back injury, so I’m just happy to back playing healthy”.

“I don’t really have any ranking goals at the moment, just to play a full year without injury is my main goal”.

The day didn’t go as well for fellow locals Jarred Wynan (ACT) and Dimitri Morogiannis (ACT) who lost their opening qualifying matches.

Wildcard Tomislav Edward Papac (NSW) also stunned both Lawrence Bataljin (SA) and Matthew Dellavedova (VIC) winning both matches in three set showdowns.

Four matches will take place on Day 2, including Frawley who will take to centre court against Jake Delaney (NSW) at 10am with the hope of securing a win to take him into the main draw, due to start on Monday 9 January.

Tournament information including full Order of Play & Draws can be found on the tournament website.

Entry from 7 – 13 January is free. On Saturday 14 January, finals day, entry is by gold coin donation.

Can’t make it? Watch the Canberra Pro Tour Live Stream and keep up to date with live scores using the Pro Tennis Live App.