Apia International Sydney Tennis - Australian Open Series

Luczak storms past Acasuso

AAP Tuesday 12 January 2010 4 Comments »

Peter Luczak has moved into the second round of the Medibank International Sydney with an impressive  7-6(1) 6-4 win over Argentine Jose Acasuso on Tuesday evening.

The Australian wildcard sent down 11 aces  in the fifth and final match on Ken Rosewall Arena, which finished at 9:00 pm local time.

The 30-year-old journeyman, who enjoyed his best year on the tour in 2009 where he reached a career high No.64, got the yips after leading 5-1 in the second set but closed out the match on his second attempt.

“It was nice to get him early in the year but he definitely got better as the match went on,” Luczak said.

Luczak’s victory earns him a shot at No.2 seed Tomas Berdych, who received a first round bye, in the next round.

Carsten Ball was eliminated in his match on Tuesday, going down to Mardy Fish in his first round encounter 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

The American-raised left-hander has gradually emerged over the last 18 months when he made his Davis Cup debut and also made an ATP final in Los Angeles.

Tuesday’s match followed a solid showing against Andy Roddick in Brisbane but the 22-year-old conceded he still had a way to go.

But unlike compatriot Sam Stosur, who admitted buckling under increased expectations in the last few years, Ball said he was looking forward to it.

“I think one more year, if I can really put up some good results, then maybe I can hopefully deal with that pressure,” the world No.131 said.

“Be nice to have it.”

Other men’s winners on Tuesday included Benjamin Becker, Julien Benneteau, Viktor Troicki and Evgeny Korolev.

Tags: Jose Acasuso, Peter Luczak

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