Ginepri’s jitters fade in victorious hometown debut

Robby Ginepri posted a 7-6 (7/4), 6-2 hometown debut Tuesday, defeating Australian qualifier Nick Lindahl to book into the second round of the Atlanta Tennis Championships.

The event, returned to circulation after a nine-year pause, came back to life after the American federation bought the ATP sanction of the ill-starred former tournament in Indianapolis, a venue where Ginepri won two editions - including the last in 2009.

While he’s a seasoned campaigner, the 27-year-old Ginepri confessed to an uncharacteristic case of pre-match nerves during the run-up.

“It felt a little bit like the days before the start of a Grand Slam,” said the player with up to 20 friends and family in the stands for his victory. “I had some anxiety in practise which I usually don’t have.

“I recognised it and got through it. When you step onto the court most of the worries go away.”

Ginepri said he started to feel more comfortable after getting a break back for three-all in the tight opening set with Lindahl, Swedish-born but now an Australian and ranked a distant 244.

The 75th-ranked Ginepri finished with eight aces, breaking four times in the 82-minute contest.

Ginepri will next face American compatriot friend Mardy Fish, Queen’s club finalist and winner of grass this month in Newport.

ATLANTA, Georgia, AFP