Mildura VIC, Australia, 10 March 2018 | David Packman

Thomas Fancutt is enjoying a break out week at the Mildura Grand International, reaching the final on Saturday after defeating fourth seed Dayne Kelly in straight sets, 7-6(3) 6-4.

The win ensures his debut appearance in a USD$25,000 ITF Futures final and his first attempt at a Futures title since winning in Anning, China, in 2016.

“I’ve been working super hard over the last two months,” Fancutt, 23, said. “This week I’ve just come in taking it point by point and trying to compete as much as possible.

“I think the biggest thing is just mentally, I’m believing now that I belong in the deeper part of the tournament.”

The current world No.750 upset second seed Andrew Whittington in the second round before coming back from a one-set deficit to edge past Tasmanian Harry Bourchier (No.5) in the quarterfinals.

“I targeted 2018 as the year I wanted to kick things up a notch so I’m stoked that I can get this result early in the year. It’s a massive boost,” he said.

The Queenslander also took out the doubles title on Friday with partner Jeremy Beale – their second consecutive title after being crowned in Renmark last week – defeating fourth seeds Harry and Edward Bourchier 6-2 7-6(1).

“The doubles success definitely rolls into singles,” Fancutt said. “Winning the title last week really gave me a lot of confidence.”

Standing in the way of Fancutt making a clean sweep in Mildura is top seed Marc Polmans, who repeated the result of the Renmark final in eliminating Luke Saville 7-6(2) 6-1.

“Marc has been on a tear lately,” Fancutt said. “We haven’t played for about a year and a half but I know what I’m playing against. There’s no real holes in his game. I’m just going to have to go out there and play my own game.”

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