Ireland's Conor Gannon upsets former top 20 player Bernard Tomic at Dublin Challenger

Irish no.3 Conor Gannon beat former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Bernard Tomic 6-7 6-4 7-6

With a ranking of 1,085 going into Elm Park, Conor Gannon toppled world no.192 Bernard Tomic. Pic: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

Ireland’s Conor Gannon pulled off the biggest upset so far at the Dublin Challenger as he outlasted former Wimbledon quarter-finalist Bernard Tomic 6-7 6-4 7-6 on Tuesday.

In overcast but balmy conditions at Elm Park, the Irish no.3 endured nearly three hours of play with his high profile Australian opponent before delighting the crowd with a very welcome Irish victory.

The first set was a cagey affair, with Tomic deploying a passive style of rallying, comfortable to rely on his serve to progress through the contest. The onus was on the more attacking Gannon to inject aggression, but that also led to untimely errors.

After a close back-and-forth in the opener with one break of serve apiece, it was left to a tie-break to decide matters. Tomic successfully managed his tennis while Gannon donated a few loose points. It eventually went 7-4 to the former world no.17.

Despite the setback, Davis Cup regular Gannon did his best to regroup for the crucial second set.

Given his proficiency in doubles, it was no surprise to see the Irishman showcase his net skills throughout the contest. He generally tried to unsettle the Aussie with his backhand slice, before opening the court with his forehand and finishing with a volley.

A seagull steals Conor Gannon’s banana from his bag during the game. Pic: ©INPHO/Nick Elliott

Across the net, despite his 6′ 5″ frame, Tomic has a surprisingly passive style of play for a man with four ATP titles and previous wins over Marin Cilic, David Ferrer and Kei Nishikori.

This gave opportunities to the Dubliner and he was able to pressure the Australian on return throughout the second set. After knocking on the door a number of times, Gannon made the crucial break at 5-4 to level the match and give the boisterous crowd a decider.

With the unpredictable nature of Tomic’s tennis, and the natural excitement within Gannon at the opportunity before him, the third set proved tense. The Australian broke immediately and then held his own delivery to nudge closer to the finish line.

Spirits could have sapped, but Gannon is a tough competitor having already competed in 13 tour events this season. Willed on by a supportive crowd, Gannon held his serve and broke back to level at 2-2.

The match turned once more however. It looked like the end for the Irishman as Tomic broke again to get within a game of victory at 5-3.

But the 24-year-old kept fighting and snatched a break to prolong the contest.

Fittingly, the match would be settled by another tie-break. But this time the momentum went firmly with the home favourite. A determined Gannon took advantage of the ailing Aussie as he propelled himself to a healthy 5-0 lead.

With five match points at 6-1, Gannon’s wide serve from the ad side resulted in a missed return from Tomic and the biggest singles result of the Irishman’s career. With a ranking of 1,085 going into Elm Park, Gannon had toppled the world no.192. A gap of nearly 900 places counted for nothing on the day.

Earlier, Ireland’s no.2 Peter Buldorini went out 4-6 2-6 to the incredibly impressive 18-year-old Mees Rottgering. A former junior world no.1, the lefty Dutchman showed tremendous power throughout the contest and will be one to watch over the coming week and beyond.