Jamaica’s top tennis player, Blaise Bicknell, said he is embracing the challenge ahead of his showdown with Nick Hardt in today’s final of the ITF M15 Championship in San Jose, Costa Rica, with match time set for 11:30 a.m.
Bicknell, the number three seed, has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament and is yet to drop a set. He secured his place in the final with an impressive 6-4, 6-3 victory over Mexico’s Alan Rubio in the semifinals.
On other hand, Hardt advanced to the title match after battling past France’s Guillaume Dalmasso 6-4, 7-6 in his semifinal encounter.
Bicknell, who is ranked 463rd in the world, holds a higher ranking than his opponent, who sits at 671. He noted that he is expecting a stern test from Hardt despite his strong run of form.
“It feels good to be in this final because it is my first final of the year and I have played well throughout this tournament because I haven’t dropped a set yet,” Bicknell said. “I am feeling confident going into the final, but I know my opponent is going to be very tough, so I know that I will have to play well to win.”
He added that facing a top regional player like Hardt will require focus and discipline.
“He is from the Dominican Republic and he is a very good player, so it should be a great match. He is also a top player in the region, and it will be great for me to get the win for Jamaica.”
Bicknell also highlighted that his performances so far this season have been encouraging and he sees this final as an important step in his development.
“My tennis so far this year has been good, so I am happy to be in this final and I am looking forward to it. I will keep building on this. I am very hungry for this because this tournament will help to improve my world ranking and I will keep pushing up, and hopefully to get to the Grand Slams,” the 24-year-old said.
