Australia’s Matt Ebden has won through to the second round of the Sony Open in Miami, defeating big-serving Pole Lukasz Kubot in three sets.
After dropping the first set, Ebden fought back to take the second and third set by the same scoreline, rounding out a 4-6 6-4 6-4 victory.
At 4-4 and 30-30 in the first set, a double fault proved costly for the Australian. Kubot seized the opening and took the initiative to break and close out the first set.
The world No. 67 fought back in the second set, breaking Kubot early to swing momentum back the Australian’s way to claim the set 6-4.
The third set started poorly for Ebden, with several double faults gifting Kubot an early 3-0 lead in the decider. However, the Australian regrouped to reel off five consecutive games and then crucially held serve at 5-4 to advance to the second round.
The win sets up a second round meeting with sixth seed and defending champion Andy Murray on Friday.