Bicknell vows sharper, stronger return

Jamaica’s number one tennis player, Blaise Bicknell, is determined to return stronger and sharper when he competes in the second Kingston Open, an ATP Challenger tournament, next Monday at the Liguanea Club, Kingston.

Bicknell, 24, suffered a massive disappointment on Monday when he lost 6-4, 6-7, 6-3 to Australia’s Max Purcell in their Round of 32 encounter.

Despite the disappointment, Bicknell noted that he remains motivated and intends to use the experience to prepare for his next assignment.

“I am very determined to come back stronger, and so I am just planning to go out there and give it my all, win or lose,” Bicknell said. “I am just focusing on working hard for next week.”

Lapse in concentration

Bicknell says he produced a strong overall performance, but admitted that a lapse in concentration during the deciding set proved costly.

“Overall, I thought I played well, but I lost focus in the third set, and that was the deciding point in the match.

“Overall, the level of tennis was great, and I am sure the fans would have enjoyed it,” he said. “But it didn’t go my way.

“I am going to be motivated for next week, and I am going to try my best to prepare for that.”

Despite his inability to win, Bicknell says he was encouraged by the quality of his shot-making against Purcell, 28, a former top-ranked doubles player.

“I thought I was hitting the ball well. But he is a tough opponent. It didn’t fall my way, and so I just have to keep working,” he shared.

Bicknell shared that the defeat has done little to dent his confidence, as he continues his development on the international circuit.

“This defeat won’t deter me because this is tennis. You win and lose, and so you can’t let the defeats bring you down,” he said. “You just have to stay put and keep on fighting at all times.”

Bicknell said the Kingston Open has provided an invaluable opportunity for Jamaica’s players to test themselves against some of the world’s best.

“There are some excellent world-class players here, and most of the people in the draw are going to the US Open next week,” he said. “So for Jamaica to have this level of tennis is amazing, and as Jamaicans in the draw, we are just trying to capitalise on this opportunity,” he stated.