Matt Ebden says there is no reason he can’t match with it big hitting American John Isner in the second round of Wimbledon after cruising through his opening match.
The West Aussie powered past Slovenian Blaz Rola 6-2 6-1 6-4 overnight to set up a clash with the 17th seed.
“I’m as fit as they come and as fit as I’ve ever been,” Ebden told AAP.
Coming in full of confidence after two finals in a row on the Challenger circuit, Ebden played near flawless tennis.
He wrapped up the match in under 90 minutes to move into the second round at the All England Club for the first time.
Grass has long been a favourite surface for the 27 year old and his all around game was at full effect against Rola.
He won 72% of points on serve, not handing Rola a single break point opportunity.
In comparison, Ebden created 13 break point chances and converted five.
Still, he will need to go up a level to take it to Isner.
Known for having one of the most brutal serves on tour, the 208 cm American took out Go Soeda of Japan 7-6 6-4 6-4.
Isner hit 38 aces and won 63 of 68 first-serve points, for a robust 93 percent.
Ebden is confident however that he can deal with Isner’s biggest weapon.
“My movement and speed, they’re some of my strengths.
“It’s going to be a massive challenge but I know I have the skills to beat him.”
It could be a long day for the world 148 with Isner holding the record for the longest Wimbledon match.
In 2010 the American won the extraordinary five-set match over Nicholas Mahut which took over 11 hours.
“Hopefully I don’t have to go that long. But whatever it takes, I’ll do” said Ebden.
“I can play the long ones. I have had a few of them.
“I’ve been there and know what they take.
“In Davis Cup doubles I had a five-setter with Lleyton [Hewitt] which we won. He showed me a few things.”
Court 11 proved a happy hunting ground for Emageo Group athletes on Day 1 of the Championships with Casey Dellacqua winning through to the second round of the women’s doubles in the match prior to Ebden.
Looking to go one better than their French Open final loss last month, Dellacqua and partner Yaroslava Shvedova breezed past Dabrowski and Rosolska in straight sets.
There’s no time for Dellacqua to rest though.
She kicks off her singles campaign tonight against Tamira Paszek in the first match on court 16.