QUALIFIER Scott Puodziunas is one win away from his first appearance in a Mildura Grand Tennis International men’s singles final.
The big-serving Queenslander defied the odds to advance to the semi-finals against No.4 seed Japan’s Rio Noguchi, who overcame a slow start to beat French qualifier Vincent Stouff in straight sets.
Puodziunas, 30, was Friday’s giant-killer, defeating No.2 seed Luke Saville in the round of 16 before overcoming fellow Aussie Thomas Fancutt in straight sets in a tight quarter-final.
On a day that also saw last year’s winner Dayne Kelly and runner-up Brydan Klein advance through to the semis, Puodziunas showed great composure under pressure, but it was his big first serve which proved to be the decisive factor.
“If I serve well, I normally volley well – this surface is basically made for me,” Puodziunas said.
Puodziunas said this tournament was the first time he had played singles for almost a year and a half, focusing more on doubles, which he believes has helped improve his singles game.
“When I first started focusing on doubles I played much better singles – I’m not as tight I guess … you relax and you play and you have fun and that is it,” he said.
“I’m serve-volleying the whole time in doubles – it has actually improved my singles game.
“There isn’t as much pressure on me because I don’t really care too much about singles. Doubles is my focus, so I played (Friday) with no pressure.”
