QUEENSLANDER Ben Mitchell survived five break points before holding a crucial service game, which set him on course for a straight sets victory at the Wollongong International final on Sunday.
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Mitchell won 6-1, 6-4, but had to fight his way back from a break down against Germany’s Sebastian Fanselow at Beaton Park.
Fanselow had led 4-1 in the second set and then had five opportunities to snatch a crucial break while leading 4-3.
However, Mitchell responded on each occasion, before pulling off a stunning lob which caught the baseline, holding at 4-all, the pivotal moment in the match. “I think it got the back of the line,” Mitchell said.
“I wasn’t quite sure if it was going in and (the linesman) didn’t call it, so I was pretty happy.
“To hold off those five break points at 3-4 was the really big turning point.
“I think every single break point (Fanselow had) I won with an ace or a winner, so I’m just happy I was aggressive and held on.”
It’s his second consecutive triumph, after winning the Canberra International Challenger tournament last week. In cruise control early, Mitchell, who is ranked almost 400 ATP places higher than Fanselow, took the first set in 25 minutes.
Mitchell’s second set fightback ensured he finished the tournament without dropping a set.
“It’s the first time I’ve won a tournament without dropping a set, which is very hard to do,” Mitchell said.
Having twice played in the main draw at the Australian Open, losing to American John Isner (2012) and fellow Aussie James Duckworth (2013), Mitchell declared he is playing better than ever.
“My current for is the best it’s ever been,” he said.
“I’m calm. On break points and big points I’ve got a clear mindset and I know what I need to do.
“Winning a Challenger tournament is massive and I’ve picked up quite a few rankings points in the two weeks. I’ve won 10 matches in a row now, so I’ve just got to keep it going.”