Matthew Ebden.
BNP Paribas Open 2012 Day 7 Preview: Who is Matthew Ebden And What Could He Mean For John Isner
That may be the first time in your life you read that name. Well, the second if you just read the headline.
So, why is he so important? Well, besides the fact that he’s taking on an American next round -- No. 11 seeded John Isner -- Ebden is the Cinderella of tennis’ Indian Wells March Madness bracket.
A 24 year old from Australia, Ebden is currently ranked No. 91 in the world (80 spots behind Isner in the rankings). Matty, as he’s known on the circuit, is a 6’2, 172-pound right-handed player. He has never won a career singles title, let alone even made it to the final of an ATP event. (He does have two doubles titles.) And he is the second-ranked player from Australia on the circuit, behind Bernard Tomic, who is currently ranked No. 36.
Really, why is he so important?
He’s taken down two seeds in his last two matches, starting with No. 32 seed Julien Benneteau in the second round and moving onto No. 8 seed Mardy Fish. Only nine other players in the 128-player bracket have defeated seeded opponents and, so far, none of the rest have two upsets to their name.
On Day 7, make sure to watch for the qualifier to take on his next ranked foe.
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