East Hotel Canberra Challenger top seed Dudi Sela (ISR) said he’s “not so” confident he can deliver a back to back Canberra title, despite being in the best form of his career to date.
The 22 ATP Challenger Tour title holder confirmed at the Canberra Tennis Centre today he had a good preseason however the field for the East Hotel Canberra Challenger is very competitive.
“All the players are really difficult, in every round, and it will be tough,” he said. “There’s a lot of guys here in the draw who were in top 20, everyone is a good player”.
He went on to describe Canberra as an attractive prospect, this being his third consecutive visit to Australia’s capital city pre Australian Open.
“It’s like last year really, every year before a grand slam, all the players want to play and get some matches.”
“I really enjoyed it here last year, it’s nice, he said. “It’s a good warm up for Australian Open so hopefully I can play well and get some confidence before the Australian Open”.
Sela achieved a career high of 29 in July 2009, after reaching the fourth round of Wimbledon.
32 year old Sela commented on his extensive tennis career and why he is in such a good place.
“You learn more, you’re more experienced, and that helps.
“[I’m] not so confident, but I will try my best.”
Sela will play the feature match on Tuesday taking on Hugo Grenier (FRA) on centre court, not before 4.00pm.
Third seed Guillermo Garcia Lopez (ESP) will open proceedings on centre court against American Sekou Bangoura, with fourth seed Mikhail Kukushkin (KAZ) against Aussie qualifier Jeremy Beale to follow.
Young Aussie Alexander Crnokrak will play his first ATP Challenger match taking on Geoffrey Blancaneaux (FRA), with world No 95. Nicolas Kicker to take on Elliot Benchetrit (FRA).
In Monday’s action, eighth seed Andreas Seppi (ITA) edged out Maximilan Marterer (GER) in a thrilling match 3-6 6-3 7-6 (7), while second seed Florian Mayer (GER) also survived a scare to come through in three over Japan’s Yosuke Watanuki. Marton Fucsovics (HUN), Victor Estrella Burgos (DOM), Nicolas Jarry (CHI), and Ben Mitchell (Qld) also progressed to the second round.
Entry to the Canberra Tennis Centre is free, with play commencing at 11am.
For the draws and full order of play please click here.
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