Chin hopes to be more ready for second Kingston Open

Jamaica’s two representatives in the ATP Challenger Kingston Open tournament at the Liguanea Club, Blaise Bicknell and John Chin, both exited in the opening round after losses to Australian opponents this week.

However, Chin, who fell 6-1, 6-1 to Edward Winter on Tuesday, is returning from a seven-month injury layoff and remains confident he can improve enough to make a stronger impact in the second leg of the tournament, which gets under way this week.

“It’s a bit disappointing but we tried our best. Blaise put in a good show yesterday (Monday) and I think I put on a decent show.

“It (early exit) is disappointing but it’s good that I have things to work on and improve on,” he said.

The Jamaican international admitted that match fitness played a major role in his defeat, although he felt adequately prepared heading into the tournament.

“I believe I could have prepared much better. I am just coming back. This is my first professional tournament since January. It was tough going through injury, and maybe my match fitness isn’t really there right now.

“I just felt I was a little rusty in my preparation, even though coming into the tournament I was confident in my preparation. It just shows that it’s different once you get out on the court,” he pointed out.

Wasted opportunities

Although Winter controlled much of the match, the Jamaican had several opportunities to close out games but was unable to capitalise.

Nevertheless, he believes the gap between himself and the Australian is much smaller than the scoreline indicated.

“My opponent is very physical. I must admit that I was a bit tired in the first set and it just continued, but I am happy I got the opportunity and I can improve on these things for next week.

“My opponent is very good but I don’t think he is that far ahead of me. The score didn’t really reflect the game because I had chances in the first set but I just need to work on my fitness.

“I felt good with my serve and ground strokes. It’s just my legs got really tired. I felt I used a lot of my energy in the first set without even realising.

“Plus I didn’t breathe properly, didn’t use my breath how I normally practised,” he continued.

Despite his disappointment at not producing a standout performance for the local crowd, which turned out in strong numbers to support the Jamaican players, Chin believes fans can expect a better showing in the second leg, which starts on Sunday.

“I wish I could have given the fans a better showing, but I feel like this is a big step for Jamaican tennis, having these tournaments.

“Hopefully they can have more down the line for $15-$25,000, which would be good for the sport and all the players we have here and the fans that come to watch us.

“You always have to take pride in representing your country and doing it in front of all these fans is special and amazing for Jamaican tennis,” he added.

livingston.scott@gleanerjm.com