Promising talent Enzo Aguiard is hoping dual success in the Ace Classic at Pakenham over the Australia Day weekend will provide the springboard to a successful career in the game.
The 23-year-old – fresh off a four-year stint playing College tennis at the University of Alabama – was the dominant performer over the four day tournament, winning the open singles and doubles in impressive fashion.
The punishing right-hander, with a complete all-court game, confirmed his number-one seeding with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over Corey Gaal in Monday morning’s singles final.
He then joined forces with Zac Adam-Gedge, once again justifying the top ranking, to win the afternoon doubles final with a 6-1, 7-6 victory over Rhys Xavier and Chris Alevizos.
Aguiard was the undisputed star of the tournament, winning all five singles matches without dropping a set and conceding just nine games for the weekend.
The Parkville local, who fell in love with the game after first hitting the courts at the age of five at Royal Park Tennis Club, has exciting ambitions moving forward.
“I’ve been playing a lot of these Pro UTR (Universal Tennis Ranking)Tournaments, trying to get a lot of matches in and trying get some money in as well to help fund my travels,” he said.
“I’ve played four of these already, from December until now, and then hopefully sign in for some Challengers at the start of February in Brisbane.
“I’m 23 years old and my ATP ranking is about 1070 right now, the goal is to try and play a full year of tournaments.
“I’ve been in college the last four years and I’ve only been only to play the pro tournaments from July to October; just because of how the season works.
“The goal is to be healthy for the whole year.”
Aguiard said claiming the bulk of the $7,500 prizemoney on offer would help his long-term plans.
“It’s quite difficult, an average week on the tour probably costs about $1000 a week,” he said.
“That’s flights, strings, hotels, food; this year I’m trying to balance it out a bit more; stay at home and coach a bit and try and build enough money where I can travel for a few months at a time.
“Luckily, with UTR Tournaments and money tournaments like this, it’s been a big help.”
Aguiard believes his experience in America will hold him in good stead throughout his career.
“I went to the University of Alabama; it’s a pretty cool experience, basically 10 other guys on your team just all fighting for a spot on the line up,” he said.
“But you’re all like good mates off the court so it’s a really good atmosphere.
“I see myself playing Grand Slam qualifiers and eventually one day making the top 100.
“I think that’s achievable.
“I’ve played players like Dane Sweeney, who had a great run a the Australian Open (defeating Gael Monfils); there’s a long way to go, but I definitely think it’s possible seeing what guys like that have achieved.
“It gives you that belief as well that if they can do it, then so can I.
“It’s great having those players doing great, pushing high up into tournaments because it shows you the level that you need to get to.”
Aguiard was super-impressed with the facilities on offer at Pakenham.
“It’s great here, plenty of courts, plenty of hard courts; I’m from inner-city Melbourne and we don’t have any nice centres like this, apart from Melbourne Park,” he said.
“It’s a great centre, great café and Andrew (Nicholls), Vanessa (Kent) and Chris (Millidonis) have done a great job of running the tournament.”
“It’s been good…especially with the Aussie summer of tennis…it’s a great place to start.”
ACE CLASSIC RESULTS
SINGLES FINAL
Enzo Aguiard (1) def Corey Gaal (2) 6-2, 6-3
DOUBLES FINAL
Zach Adam-Gedge/Enzo Aguiard (1) def Rhys Xavier/Chris Alevizos (4) 6-1, 7-6
CONSOLATION FINAL
Kayaan Saluja def Tim Scott-Sandvik 3-6, 6-3, 6-4
