Recently turned 18 year old Nicola Kuhn has expressed his delight after winning his first ever masters 1000 match at the Miami Open.
Kuhn, who has impressed on the challenger circuit became the second youngest Spaniard to win an ATP World Tour match after defeating qualifier Darian King 6-4 7-6(4) in the first round of the Miami Open. Yesterday’s was only his second ATP tour level match and the youngster expressed his delight after the contest, “This is a special day for me,” said Kuhn. “It was a very tough match. I’m happy with today’s victory, but now I need to focus on my next match.”
The 18 year old is the youngest player to win at this level since Rafael Nadal in 2004, when he was just 17 years of age. However despite the win Kuhn wants more success and his focus turns to 15th seed Fabio Fognini on Saturday in the second round, “The key is to just go out there at every tournament and see what’s my limit, Playing [Fognini] will be tough, but I can make it interesting. I just want to enjoy myself out there.”
Kuhn isn’t the only Spaniard to notch up debut wins this season as he follows in the footsteps of compatriots, Ricardo Ojeda Lara and Carlos Taberner. Now his aim is to become a better player and continue his rise on the ATP World Tour, “I’ve put in my time over the years to get to where I am, People here [on the ATP World Tour] have a lot more experience than I have. I have to play matches, learn — whether I win or lose — and ultimately seize opportunities and give my all.”
Analysis
It is clear that Kuhn wants to follow in the famous footsteps of a certain Rafael Nadal and winning a first ATP tour match at a similar age is a very good start. Of course it is a long road ahead and there are a lot things that he needs to improve on technically as well as mentally. However he is focused and determined to make his career work, so if he keeps this up for the next couple of years and a meteoric rise could be in his future.
