Alice Springs NT, Australia, 24 September 2016 | David Packman

Marc Polmans has ended the run of unseeded American Jarmere Jenkins in a deciding set tiebreaker 6-1 6-7(3) 7-6(4) to claim his maiden Pro Tour crown in Alice Springs on Saturday – adding to the doubles title he won with Luke Saville earlier in the week.

“It’s been a memorable week for me here in Alice,” Polmans said. “I’m really happy to get the win.”

The 19-year-old Victorian has been in phenomenal touch all week, making his way to the final without the loss of a set.

But after racing through the opening set of the final in just 20 minutes, Polmans slowed his tempo, allowing Jenkins to gather momentum and find his way back into contention, breaking the teenager as he served for the match at 5-4.

With the door now ever-so-slightly ajar, the more experienced American was bold enough to take his opportunity, forcing the second set into a tiebreaker which he duly snared.

“I was a little bit surprised with how well I was playing at the start,” Polmans said. “I had my chances to win it in straight but Jarmere played very well under pressure, so I wasn’t too disappointed with losing that second set.”

Despite the late charge, Polmans remained undeterred in the deciding set, holding firm and creating multiple opportunities with his return. Finding it difficult to land the knock-out blow though, it was left to a final tiebreaker where again Polmans got the early advantage before relinquishing some of his gains. However, this time he found an extra gear when it mattered most and eventually snuffed out the American resistance.

“We were both playing our best tennis in the third I thought,” he said. “He started coming back at me, but I was happy with how I played the tiebreaker. I was aggressive and I took my chances when they came.”

25-year-old Jenkins is no stranger to the Australian Pro Tour, having competed here over several seasons with a good deal of success. Even with a lack of match play after recently returning from a one-year hiatus from the game, the former world No.202 was always considered a threat this week with his athleticism and raw talent.

For Polmans, who already has three $10,000 ITF titles under his belt, Alice Springs marks his first at the $25,000 level – and the win will likely push him to the edge of the world’s top 300 players.

“I’m pretty happy with how my ranking is going at the moment,” he said. “I haven’t got too many points to defend in the next few weeks either, so hopefully I can just keep up my level.”

Polmans now has a few days to prepare for the next Pro Tour event in Brisbane.

Now in its eighth year since inauguration, The Alice Springs Tennis International is proudly sponsored by the Northern Territory Government.

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.