Maiden title for Jasika in Burnie
Victorian Omar Jasika has taken out his first ATP Challenger event after defeating Blake Mott in Burnie.
Burnie TAS, Australia, 4 February 2017 | David Packman
Omar Jasika has claimed his maiden ATP Challenger title with a convincing 6-2 6-2 victory over Blake Mott in Burnie.
“It’s No.1 for me,” Jasika said. “I’ve been playing some great tennis, hopefully I can keep the ball rolling and try to get another one under my belt.
“I’m happy to get a title early in the year, it will really help build my confidence throughout the whole season and get up the ranks a bit more.”
Jasika, 19, will move very close to his career-high ranking of world No.256 as a result of the victory.
He has been in exceptional touch throughout the Caterpillar Burnie International – recording wins over Matthew Barton and Matthew Ebden on his way to the final – and on Saturday he continued his dominance with a near-flawless display, taking out Mott in just an hour.
“I tried to play my game and get a good start, which I really did, so I think that helped a lot,” he said.
Jasika’s purple patch extends from late last year when he won the Australian Open 2017 Wildcard Play-off before making the final of the ATP Challenger event in Happy Valley.
“I had a really good pre-season training block and I think I’m physically fitter and mentally better,” he said.
Both men now move onto Launceston where Mott will attempt to defend his own maiden ATP Challenger title.
The men’s doubles title in Burnie was won by Brit Bryden Klein and Dane Propoggia who outclassed top seeds Steven De Waard and Luke Saville in straight sets 6-3 6-4.
Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour.