Anderson impresses in first round
Oliver Anderson powered through to the second round of the boy’s 2014 Australian Open today with an imperious 6-4 6-3 over Brazilian Rafael Matos
Melbourne VIC, Australia, 19 January 2014 | Rob Sheeley
Oliver Anderson powered through to the second round of the boy’s 2014 Australian Open today with an imperious 6-4 6-3 over Brazilian Rafael Matos.
Anderson took just an hour and 11 minutes to seal the victory, hitting 17 winners in the process.
With limited knowledge of his opponent, Anderson says it was just a matter of concentrating on his own style of game that orchestrated the win.
“I don’t really play towards tactics and things, I usually just play instinctive,” he said
“I had a goal today of just staying active, moving my feet and getting to the net.”
A relieved Anderson said post-match that he was pleased with getting beyond the first hurdle.
“I was extremely nervous; the first match is always a tough one.”
Despite the nerves, the 15-year-old Anderson controlled the match against the big-serving Brazilian.
“I think I was holding my serve pretty easily, I wasn’t breaking as much as I usually do but I was still doing ok, returning well and hitting my backhand well.”
Hometown fans are often one of the advantages of playing your home Grand Slam tournament. The vocal crew of supporter’s courtside for the match was something that Anderson says helped him get across the line.
“It was great; I’ve got a lot of my family and friends here. My brother, my Dad and they are all super-supportive and really loud. I love it.”
Anderson will now meet the seventh seed Quentin Halys from France in the second round.