Former US Open Boys’ champion Omar Jasika has reminded Tennis Australia of the potential he has by thrashing Christopher O’Connell 6-1, 6-1, 6-2, in the semi-finals of the wildcard playoff at Melbourne Park.
Peaking at a career high of 6th during his junior career, the 19-year-old is yet to break the top-250 mark on the pro tour. Nevertheless, he managed to outplay his older and higher ranked opponent, who has won five Futures titles this season.
“I didn’t think I was going to play that well — I think I played extraordinarily well,” Jasika told Australian media.
“I think he was a little bit down — he had a pretty tough match against (Sam) Groth the other day.
“I don’t know (why I didn’t think I’d play well). This court is pretty quick and it was pretty hot when I came outside.
“I’ve played Chris a few times and it’s always been close, so I didn’t think it was going to be that quick of a match. I’m feeling pretty confident in my game.”
The Australian Open is a event close to the heart of the teenager and not just become it is held in his home country. In January, Jasika notched up his maiden grand slam main draw win after knocking out Illya Marchenko in four sets during the first round. His run came to an halt in the last 64 due to a straight sets loss to Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.
Charging to the final of the playoff tournament, the 19-year-old is just one win away from his second consecutive appearance at the Melbourne major. Standing in his way will be the more experience John-Patrick Smith. Unlike Jasika, Smith battled to a 7-6(7-2), 7-5, 6-7(4-7), 6-0, win over Blake Mott.
“Kept kind of rolling in the fourth. It was good to get off the court quick, save some energy,” Smith told Tennis Australia.
“I was very surprised (at the score in the fourth). I think my level picked up – I think I only missed one or two serves in that set, and that really helped me. Plus I had a lot of looks on his serve.”
Jasika leads Smith 1-0 in their head-to-head after defeating him in a marathon second round clash during the qualifying draw at the 2015 Australian Open.
“It was one of the longest matches I’ve ever had, I think it lasted about three-and-a-half hours and I finally beat him 12-10 in the third set.” Jasika said about his last match against Smith.
“Hopefully Sunday’s final doesn’t last that long.”
Out of the two finalist, 19-year-old Jasika is the only player to have ever won a main draw grand slam match in singles.
