26 Jan Australian Open 2017
As we reach the final stages of the first Grand Slam of the year we take look back at the Irish player’s performances in the Australian Open.
James McGee came agonisingly close to qualification winning through two rounds and putting in some quality performances along the way. In R1 he defeated Pecotic(CRO) 7-6(3)6-3 and took out Vincent Millot(FRA) in straight sets 6-2 6-4 in R2 before going out to the Melbourne native 20yr old Blake Mott.
Simon Carr was accepted directly into the maindraw of the Boys event and he drew a formidable opponent in his first round. Alexey Zakharov (RUS) was in top form on the day and despite a brave effort from Carr, Zakharov etched out the victory 7-6(1) 6-3. Zakharov subsequently went on to defeat the no 7 seed in the last 16 and will play the No 1 seed for a place in SFs next.
Carr enjoyed some success in the doubles event where he teamed up with Great Britain’s Max Stewart. After winning through the first round in a thriller champs tie-break 14-12 the pair ran into the no 1 seeds and while Horie and Wu won out eventually 6-4 6-4 they certainly didn’t have it all their own way.
Both Irish players expressed their gratitude for the support they received at home and in Melbourne during their matches and we are in no doubt that this has just been the warm up for McGee and Carr who are already looking forward. McGee is in the maindraw of the Challenger in Maiu, Hawaii and will play Cameron Norrie (GBR) in the first round. Carr returns home to resume training before going back on the pro-circuit in the next few weeks and eventually will re-focus on the next Junior Slam in Roland Garros.