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Game over: Matosevic 6-4, 6-7, 4-6, 7-5, 6-3
His form was up and down today but Matosevic dug deep and has secured his passage to the next round after beating Kudryavtsev in five sets.
After just over 3 hours on court, the Australian wins just his third match at grand slam level.
He will get plenty of confidence from that after coming back from 2 sets to 1 down as well.
The home fans certainly played their part that’s for sure. Good win for Marinko.
After the match Matosevic was critical of his performance.
“It was a tough day at the office. I felt like I was playing some of my worst tennis,” the Aussie said.
“The conditions were tough and windy, but [it was me] and how I felt out there.”
Today’s win sets up the potential prime time match-up against Andy Murray.
I played him twice on tour, and then I played him once in [the 2015] Hopman Cup.”
“He beat me pretty easily, although I had 3-All, Love-40,” Matosevic added.
“I’ve seen him play a million times on TV. I just have to focus on myself.”
“Wherever they put us, I’m hoping we have a ripper,” Matosevic concluded.
The match between the two will be on Wednesday. If it is put on Rod Laver Arena it will be the first time Matosevic has played on centre court at the Australian Open.
He deserves the opportunity after his breakthrough win today.
Marinko Matosevic is yet to record a win at the Australian Open but gets a good chance to do just that when he meets Russian Alexander Kudryavtsev in the first round. Join The Roar for live scores and commentary from 11.00am AEDT.
With just two wins registered to his name at grand slam tournaments, Matosevic has had to endure plenty of tough defeats throughout his career, particularly in Australia.
In the first round last year, Matosevic stood toe to toe with current world no. 5 Kei Nishikori before falling in five epic sets.
Such a performance demonstrates that Matosevic possesses the heart and determination to compete at the highest level.
At his best, Matosevic should account for his first round opponent Kudryavtsev given that the Russian has never really hit any great heights on the ATP tour. He has however played on Rod Laver Arena before against Roger Federer back at the 2012 Australian Open.
Although Federer won that contest in straight sets, Matosevic should note that Kudryavtsev pushed the Swiss maestro all the way in the first set before eventually succumbing 7-5, 6-2, 6-2.
The first set of today’s contest will be vital. Matosevic can establish huge momentum if he wins it given that the majority of support will be on his side.
Should he lose the first set though, Kudryavtsev will become a stubborn opponent and Matosevic could lose his way as a result.
Despite a good win at the Hopman Cup over Jerzy Janowicz, Matosevic is yet to register an official win on the ATP tour this year and this may play on his mind come the Australian Open.
Overall, expect a tight contest in testing conditions. The home support for Matosevic may be enough to drive the Australian to victory.
Matosevic in four sets