O’Connell causes major upset at Open
Chris O'Connell has claimed the biggest win of his career by ousting No.13 seed Diego Schwarztman. Photo: AAP
Local wildcard Chris O’Connell has sent No.13 seed Diego Schwartzman crashing out of the Australian Open to advance to the third round at a grand slam for the first time.
After claiming a marathon opening set in a tiebreak, the late-blooming O’Connell continued to play the big points better against the Argentinian counter-puncher.
O’Connell wrapped up the upset victory 7-6 (8-6) 6-4 6-4 in three hours and seven minutes to set up a round-of-32 clash against American Maxime Cressy.
As is the case with O’Connell, it will be the first time in the third round at any major for Cressy, who advanced by beating Czech qualifier Tomas Machac 6-1 3-6 6-1 7-6 (7-5)..
Schwartzman had reached the third round at Melbourne Park in each of the past four years and had never before lost at a grand slam to a player ranked as low as O’Connell, the world No.175.
But the Australian underdog was roared home to victory by a raucous home crowd on Court 3.
– AAP