Bicknell promises improvement

Jamaica’s number-one tennis player, Blaise Bicknell, says he is determined to return stronger and sharper when he competes in the second Kingston Open ATP Challenger tournament next Monday at the Liguanea Club in Kingston.

Bicknell, 24, was left disappointed on Monday after suffering a 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 defeat to Australia’s Max Purcell in their round-of-32 encounter.

The Jamaican battled back after losing the opening set, taking the second in a tiebreak. However, Purcell, 28, a former world number-one doubles player, regained control in the deciding set to seal the victory.

Despite the setback, Bicknell said he remains motivated and intends to use the experience as preparation for his next assignment.

“I am very determined to come back stronger, and so I am just planning to go out there and give it my all, win or lose,” Bicknell said. “I am just focusing on working hard for next week.”

Bicknell added that he produced a strong overall performance, but admitted that a lapse in concentration in the deciding set proved costly.

“Overall, I thought I played well, but I lost focus in the third set and that was the deciding point in the match,” he said.

“Overall, the level of tennis was great, and I am sure the fans would have enjoyed it, but it didn’t go my way. I am going to be motivated for next week and I am going to try my best to prepare for that.”

Bicknell also said he was encouraged by the quality of his shot-making against Purcell, despite being unable to complete the victory.

“I thought I was hitting the ball well, but he is a tough opponent. It didn’t fall my way, and so I just have to keep working,” he said.

Bicknell noted that the defeat has done little to dent his confidence, adding that he remains determined to maintain a positive mindset as he continues his development on the international circuit.

“This defeat won’t deter me, because this is tennis. You win and lose, and so you can’t let the defeats bring you down,” he said. “You just have to stay put and keep on fighting at all times,” he said.

Bicknell also said the Kingston Open has provided an invaluable opportunity for Jamaica’s players to test themselves against some of the world’s best competitors.

“There are some excellent world-class players here, and most of the people in the draw are going to the US Open next week,” he said. “So for Jamaica to have this level of tennis is amazing, and as Jamaicans in the draw, we are just trying to capitalise on this opportunity,” Bicknell stated.