Max Purcell is an Australian Wimbledon champion who’s actually not too bothered concerning the defence of his males’s doubles title, as a result of this most singular of characters now solely has the singles on his thoughts.
The Sydneysider, who’s rocketed to No.3 within the nationwide rankings since deciding to go it alone this yr, believes he can launch the Australian problem with an opening-round sensation in opposition to one of many world’s finest gamers on Monday.
Pitted in opposition to Andrey Rublev, the Russian world No.7 who’s an everyday quarter-finalist in grand slams, Purcell supplied the bullish message: “I’m not here to make up the numbers and just trying to beat someone who likes the surface less than me first round.
“I’m trying to go deep.”
The confident 25-year-old never did like the idea he was seen merely as a doubles specialist, even after his triumph with Matt Ebden at Wimbledon last year.
Asked about that tag by AAP a couple of years ago, he shrugged: “I hate it. You do not choose up a tennis racquet as a bit of child to wish to be a doubles participant. You wish to be a singles participant!”
And now he really is a very good one.
This time last year when doubles was his main beat, he was world No.209 in singles; now, after a spectacular year which featured three second-tier Challenger tournament wins in successive weeks in India and three other finals, he’ll start Wimbledon as No.64.
And if you might think he’s been unlucky drawing a player of Rublev’s calibre first up, he doesn’t see it that way.
“At least this manner I get to play a seed earlier than he is performed many matches on the floor. Fingers crossed, I can get it finished.”
Purcell returns with good memories of his 2022 doubles triumph. “But I’d wish to make new recollections in singles,” he says, having adopted a more “egocentric” approach once he decided to focus on singles.
“It’s nice to be identified for successful the doubles, however I’d wish to be identified for doing injury within the singles right here.”
Because of their different schedules, he and Ebden won’t be defending their title together this year, as they both play with different partners – Purcell with fellow Sydneysider Jordan Thompson in a reprise of their Davis Cup combo and Ebden with India’s Rohan Bopanna.
“No disappointment, we’re not bothered about that,” said Purcell. “I’m not too bothered with the doubles outcomes anyway, as a result of I’m right here for the singles.”
Purcell, who’s recovered from the ankle injury and blistered racquet hand that hampered him at the French Open, thinks he’s got the unorthodox game, with his unusual forehand slices and all-court confidence gleaned from doubles, to be really effective on grass.
“A few years in the past, I made the semis in Eastbourne, I see no motive why I am unable to compete with these guys on any floor,” he said. “And why not the one I really like enjoying on probably the most.”
“It’s a floor that evens everybody out so I really feel there isn’t any motive why of us Australians cannot take out any large gamers,” added Purcell, who’s one of a nap-hand of his compatriots to kick off the championships on Monday.
AUSTRALIANS IN ACTION ON DAY ONE AT WIMBLEDON ON MONDAY (PREFIX DENOTES SEEDING):
Men’s singles
30-Nick Kyrgios v David Goffin (BEL)
Max Purcell v 7-Andrey Rublev (RUS)
Jordan Thompson v Brandon Nakashima (USA)
Aleksandar Vukic v Daniel Altmaier (GER)
Women’s singles
Storm Hunter v Wang Xinyu (CHN)
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
