Marc Polmans and Philip Sekulic advance to the second round of Zhuhai and Chengdu respectively, as Australian men continue career-best seasons in China.
Zhuhai, China, 21 September 2023 | Rhys de Deugd
A string of Australian men are building on career-best seasons as ATP tournaments resume in China.
Nine Australians are currently ranked inside the world’s top 100, with others inspired to follow in their path – four Australians qualified for tournaments in Zhuhai and Chengdu.
Philip Sekulic, one of those qualifiers, made the most of his first ATP-level main draw appearance in Chengdu, recording an eye-opening upset.
There were multiple Australian winners as first round main-draw marches were completed in Zhuhai.
Zhuhai, China
In an all-Australian showdown, Marc Polmans defeated Dane Sweeny 6-3 6-1, in the opening round of the main draw.
The 26-year-old, who is currently ranked No.152, secured his first ATP-level win since his first-round Wimbledon triumph in 2021.
“It’s not always easy to play against someone you know so well and you train and practise with,” Polmans explained.
“I knew it was going to be a tricky match playing against Dane. We’ve already played three times this year so I’m happy I was able to get the win this time.”
Both Australians completed successful qualifying campaigns in Zhuhai, along with Alex Bolt and Luke Saville.
Polmans will now face the No.2 seed Cameron Norrie in what will be a milestone match in his career.
“It will be the first time I’m playing against someone in the top 20, so I’m very excited to get out there,” Polmans said.
Bolt also advanced to the second round after Diego Schwartzman retired with injury in the second set with the Australian leading 6-3 4-2.
“I think all of us were glad to be playing here and think we all feel really good on the courts, which is showing,” Polmans added.
“I really enjoy having the Aussie boys around.”
Rinky Hijikata is also in the main draw having qualified by virtue of his career-high No.72 ranking.
Chengdu, China
Philip Sekulic made his ATP main-draw debut a memorable one, with a 7-5 5-7 6-3 upset over Nuno Borges of Portugal at the Chengdu 250 tournament.
After his first successful ATP Tour qualifying run, Sekulic battled for two hours and 35 minutes to record his first victory in dramatic fashion over the world No.88 in the first round.
The 20-year-old from Subiaco, Western Australia, is currently ranked No.325 and…
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