With a big pay cheque going in the bank, Andrew Whittington is hoping his Australian Open second round experience is a springboard into the world’s top 100.
Whittington showed he has what it takes to match it with the tennis elite in his clash with 20th seed Croatian veteran Ivo Karlovic, despite losing 6-4 6-4 6-4.
Karlovic – who on Tuesday set a record for the longest Australian Open match since the introduction of tiebreaks – rained down 19 aces and hit 41 winners to set up a third round clash with 11th seed David Goffin.
Whittington returned 37-year-old Karlovic’s rapid fire well but was let down early on by his own serve.
The 23-year-old Victorian wildcard has made great strides in the last year since focusing on singles rather than doubles.
This year’s Open was his first main draw grand slam match after rising from the 500s to world No.194 in the past year.
He will bank a cheque of $80,000, almost a third of his total career earnings.
“I could have played a little bit better but it was a great learning experience,” Whittington said.
“Playing these top guys, it helps build a lot of confidence … so I will take a lot from the match.”
Whittington will next play in Tasmania and then has tournaments in California and Florida in sight, with this week’s pay cheque making life a little easier.
“I will chuck it in the bank and it will support me for the rest of my career,” Whittington said.
“It’s nice knowing I’ve got that in my back pocket.”