> Look opens account in Darwin
Look opens account in Darwin
Seeded fifth in Darwin this week, veteran Michael Look has found his groove just over a year after returning to the game.
Darwin NT, Australia, 25 September 2018 | Asher Packman
Queenslander Michael Look notched up an opening round win on Tuesday as main draw play commenced at the Darwin Tennis International.
The 30-year-old wasted little time in dismissing Matthew Dellavedova 6-3 6-1 in just over an hour.
"The first set was close and both of us were playing quite an even game," said the No.5 seed. "Then I really started to hit my straps. I was coming forward and finishing a lot of points at net."
Look, a former world No.323, resumed his tennis career just 15 months ago after a four-year hiatus working in the corporate world – a return he acknowledges was not easy to begin with.
"I was in the office eight hours a day, five days a week, and sometimes on the weekend as well. I just felt like I had a bit more left in me, and I thought that I can only play tennis for a limited amount of time, so while I could I wanted to give it my best shot.
"It was a real struggle transitioning from the office to moving and being on court for a living, but the last few months I've really seen an improvement in my game and I'm enjoying being back out there again."
Look has recently returned from a stint in Asia, where he reached two ITF Futures singles finals and took out a doubles title. "I really started to click, get into my old form and find some wins," he said.
"This time last year I was going through qualifying for these events, so it's great to see the improvement, now being a seed, that's inspired me.
"My immediate term goals are to play well here, hopefully get into the main draw of the (ATP) Challengers and continue to do well. I'm really excited for the rest of the year."
Awaiting Look in the second round is Edward Bourchier, who upset one of the tournament favourites, Thomas Fancutt, in Cairns last week.
"He's taken a similar path to me," Look said of his upcoming opponent, Bourchier. "We both went to college, both had a break for a while, but he's back on tour now and he's a veteran like me."
Fancutt, the third seed, was also in action in Darwin on Monday, surviving an early scare against teenage wildcard Alexander Crnokrak to advance 2-6 6-3 6-4.
Kiwi Rhett Purcell (No.8) was the only seed to fall, with another Aussie teenager, Lucas Vuradin, taking him out in straight sets, 7-5 6-1.
Sixth seed Evan Hoyt of Great Britain and American Connor Farren each made safe passage into the second round.
Live scores of all Australian Pro Tour events are available through www.tennis.com.au/protour/scores and for a live stream of selected events visit www.tennis.com.au/protour. For Australian Pro Tour updates follow @oztennisresults on Twitter.
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