IRISH TENNIS PLAYER James McGee’s bid to advance to the main draw of the Australian Open ended last night with a defeat in the first round of the men’s singles qualifying.
The Dublin man was beaten by James Wang of Taipei in straight sets, 7-6 and 7-5, in Melbourne in a match that got underway at 11pm (Irish time).
McGee had been hopeful of moving onto the second of three preliminary rounds, particularly as the seeded Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu would have been his next opponent. McGee had previously met Wang twice in competition, losing to him in 2012 in Japan, but pulling off a comeback win in Canada in 2013.
Following the game, McGee posted a status on this Facebook page thanking his fans for their support in the build-up and during the clash in Melbourne.
Gave it everything today but came up short 7-6 7-5,” he wrote. “The dream of playing [in the] main draw here will have to wait another year. Great experience here in Australia and learned a lot. I will make sure to come back better and stronger next year.
“Great support this week, thanks for the messages and also to everyone who came to watch my match today. #onwards”
McGee, 26, is currently ranked 214th in the ATP world rankings for men’s singles.