Photo : FREY/TENNIS PHOTO NETWORK
Vasek Pospisil, the last Canadian standing at the Viking International Eastbourne, lost his quarter-final match earlier today on Centre Court.
Despite a strong week in Eastbourne, Pospisil’s tournament comes to an end after losing to Australia’s Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-4.
Pospisil, who was only playing in his sixth event of the year, has a lot of positives to take away from his time in Eastbourne – especially the strength of his game when he got his first serves in play.
Heading into today’s contest, Pospisil had yet to be broken on serve. In fact, the Canadian only had to save two break points so far this week.
In the opening game, Pospisil successfully fought off a de Minaur break point opportunity to keep his streak alive.
However, the tournament No. 2 seed displayed a stunning return game in the seventh and was able to end Pospisil’s impressive streak.
The Australian didn’t allow Pospisil a chance to break back and took the first set 6-4.
In the first set, Pospisil only won 54 percent of points on first serves – an unusually low number for the powerful Canadian.
In the second set, the Canadian struck first and broke de Minaur in the second game on his first break point opportunity of the match.
Pospisil regained his rhythm and it looked as if the match would need a third and final set.
But, de Minaur had other plans, as he broke Pospisil in the fifth and ninth game. In the 10th game, de Minaur served for the match and was able to put it away.
The Australian advances to his second semi-final in as many weeks.
As for the Canadian, it was great to see him get a few wins under his belt ahead of Wimbledon, a tournament that he’s found success at in the past.
