Matthew Ebden (WA) and Taro Daniel (JPN) will face off in the final of the Apis Canberra International on Sunday at the Canberra Tennis Centre.
Ebden defeated last year’s finalist Marc Polmans (VIC) in the semifinals in a three set battle lasting almost 2 hours, 5-7 6-1 6-4.
After dropping a scrappy first set, Ebden lifted his game in the second.
“I think after the first set I freed up a bit and found some more control. I was able to hit out and really stepped up my game and that was much more of the level I was after.
Ebden raced through the second and broke early in the third with chances to go up a double break before Polmans fought back
“He did well to step up and play a really good level to stop losing the double break. The next few games we were both playing pretty well on our serves”.
Ebden proved too strong on serve, closing out the match and securing a finals birth. Ebden is expecting a tough match against Daniel in the final.
“He’s also been a top 100 players, I know he’s been playing a full schedule so he’s played a lot of matches. This year I’ve played a lot on tour, and it will be a good test again,” Ebden added.
After missing most of 2016 with injury, Ebden has had to rebuild his ranking, being forced to go through qualifying for most events at the start of the year. He made his maiden ATP final in Newport and also made the quarterfinals of the Memphis Open.
In today’s other semifinal, Daniel defeated Alex Bolt (SA) in straight sets 7-6(2) 6-2. Daniel is also a former top 100 player and currently sits at 108 in the rankings. At this year’s US Open, Daniel won his opening round and then took the first set off world number 1 Rafael Nadal before falling in four sets.
The men’s singles final is scheduled for not before 12.00pm on centre court.
The women’s final will commence at 11.00am with fourth seed Destanee Aiava (VIC) to take on sixth seed Olivia Rogowska (VIC). For a recap of the women’s semifinals click here.
Entry is by gold coin donation, with limited seating available on a first come basis.
The Apis Canberra International 2017 is on at the Canberra Tennis Centre until November 5 2017. Entry is free with a gold coin donation requested on finals weekend.
The full order of play and qualifying draw can be found here
Live streaming for the women can be found here. Live scoring for the women’s event can be found here.
Live streaming and live scoring for the men’s event can be found here
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