Jason Kubler of Australia beat Tomas Martin Etcheverry of Argentina 7-6 7-5 in the first round at the ATP Adelaide International on Tuesday with the 29-year-old’s reward a shot at world #28 Miomir Kecmanovic of Serbia in the second round on Wednesday. Kubler faced a stiff challenge from the 23-year-old Argentine, but did just about enough to prevail in the end. Buoyed by the home crowd, Kubler exhibited good ballstriking to surprise his opponent. But what were the keys to his win?
1. Kubler served with a lot of power and rushed the net frequently:
Kubler’s powerful serve may be something of a surprise for those who are not familiar with the Australian’s game (he stands just 5’10” tall). But the Australian has excellent technique and though Etcheverry was able to match his ace count (both men struck 10), Kubler’s serve often set him up for an aggressive plus one shot in an advanced court position. He also ventured forward to the net quite a few times to finish off points.
Kubler won 11 of 13 points in the forecourt in the first set, with his swift movement forward catching Etcheverry off guard more than once. But the Argentine fought a dogged a rearguard action to take the opener to a tiebreak. Kubler took charge there, however, winning it comfortably 7-2, with Etcheverry’s sold baseline play ultimately not enough to counteract Kubler’s power and quick movement around the court.
2. Kubler’s Covers For His Backhand Frailty
Kubler’s backhand is a weakness in his game, but it was one the Australian managed well throughout the match. Key to his strategy was maintaining good depth off the backhand side. As a result, although there was not much venom behind his two-hander, Etcheverry was prevented from steppinng in and dictating. Kubler also took his chances where Etcheverry did not. The Argentine had five break points over the course of the match but took none of them.
Kubler created just two, but managed to get the crucial break of serve in the 11th game of the second set to lead 6-5 and then served out the match, as the Argentine hit his return into the net down match point. There was not much to choose between the two, but Kubler kept his calm during the latter stages of the match, including following a power outage, which was enough for him overcome the Argentine.
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