Ireland’s Conor Niland exited Australian Open qualifying at the very first hurdle this morning as America’s Kevin Kim edged out the Limerick man 7-6 (7-5) 7-6 (8-6) at Melbourne Park.
The Irish number one reached a career high of 129 in the world rankings last month after claiming ATP Challenger events in Israel and Austria in 2010.
The 29-year-old, who was seeded 16 in the qualifying draw, was unfortunate to run into a player who has qualified for the main draws at each of the four Grand Slam events.
Niland struggled to make an impact on the Kim serve, with the veteran American serving superbly throughout the match, winning 83% of points on his first serve.
Niland displayed an ice-cool temperament to save nine of 10 break points, but will be disappointed to have failed to convert any of the four break points he created on the Kim serve.
The vanquished Irishman was just one match away from reaching the first round proper 12 months ago, while compatriot Louk Sorenesen fared even better as he reached the second round Down Under.
