Rising expertise Max Purcell has spoken to Tennis Australia about being missed for an Australian Open wildcard, after accusing Lleyton Hewitt of favouritism.
Purcell, who was compelled into qualification, had his aspirations of enjoying singles in Melbourne subsequent week ended on Wednesday in a 7-6 (7-2) 7-6 (10-8) loss to the Czech Republic’s Jiri Lehecka.
Kimberly Birrell was solely the brilliant spot in an underwhelming displaying for Australian hopefuls after a 6-2 6-1 victory over Georgia’s Ekaterine Gorgodze.
Birrell, who has spent the final 12 months battling a difficult elbow harm, should beat Britain’s Harriet Dart to safe her spot at Melbourne subsequent week.
However Purcell was the primary attraction following his inflammatory feedback earlier within the week the place he claimed Hewitt “did not have the balls to inform him” he had missed out on a wildcard.
Other than confirming he had held conversations with Tennis Australia, the world No.174 mentioned: “I do not actually wish to speak about it.
“I mentioned that I am not bothered about getting a wildcard. I wish to beat guys in qualifying and I wish to earn my spot in the primary draw. I’ve bought no laborious emotions there.”
Purcell’s loss was certainly one of many for Australia’s males on Wednesday with 20-year-old Dane Sweeny happening 6-4 6-2 to Kazakhstan’s Timofey Skatov.
Philip Sekulic, an 18-year-old Queenslander, was no match for one more Kazakh, Dmitry Popko, who claimed a 6-4 6-2 win over the Australian.
Sydneysider Rinky Hijikata was compelled to retire when he was a set down in opposition to Bosnian Damir Dzumhur.
Birrell loved the only win among the many ladies in motion on Wednesday with 16-year-old Western Australian Taylah Preston struggling a 6-0 6-0 loss to South Korea’s Jang Su-jeong.
“To be sincere, even simply enjoying the primary spherical on Monday meant a lot to me,” Birrell mentioned.
“I am simply taking it one match at a time. Every time I am stepping out on courtroom, I am pinching myself and feeling actually grateful.”