Matthew Ebden (WA) has taken out the Apis Canberra International title in front of a packed crowd at the Canberra Tennis Centre.
Ebden defeated Taro Daniel (JPN) 7-6(4) 6-4. Ebden jumped out to a great start, breaking early to go up 5-2. Daniel turned it around to break back and force it into a tiebreak. Solid serving from Ebden proved pivotal in clinching the tiebreak, winning an impressive 92% of points on his first serve.
It remained tight at the start of the second, before Ebden secured the break to go up 4-3. From there Ebden held strong on serve to secure the win, dropping to the ground to celebrate his 7th ATP Challenger title.
Heading into the match, Ebden knew he was in for a tough battle and was pleased with how he executed his game plan.
“Taro is a quality player, he’s been a top 100 player, you know what you’re going to get with him. He’s very solid, he’s going to run, he’s going to fight, he’s going to put a lot of pressure on you.”
“I knew I had to execute my game pretty well today and that was key. I did it for most of the match and that’s what got me through.”
After the result, Ebden is now sitting at #100 in the world.
Ebden will now to head to Japan for a couple of weeks to round out the season, and then start preparing for the Australian Summer of Tennis.
Pro tour action will return to the Canberra Tennis Centre when the East Hotel Canberra Challenger takes place from 6-13 January 2018.
About the Apis Canberra International
The Apis Canberra International 2017 was held from 28 October – 5 November at the Canberra tennis Centre. A USD$75,000 ATP Challenger and ITF Women’s USD$60,000 event, the tournament attracted players from 19 countries.
Men’s Singles Final
[3] Matthew Ebden (AUS) d [2] Taro Daniel (JPN) 7-6(4) 6-4
Women’s Singles Final
[6] Olivia Rogowska (AUS) d [4] Destanee Aiava (AUS) 6-1 6-2
Men’s Doubles Final
[3] Alex Bolt (AUS) / Bradley Mousley (AUS) d [2] Luke Saville (AUS) / Andrew Whittington 6-3 6-2 (AUS)
Women’s Doubles Final
[1] Arina Rodionova (AUS) / Asia Muhammad (USA) d [3] Jessica Moore (AUS) / Ellen Perez (AUS) 6-4 6-4
Photo credit: Ben Southall.
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