Rhyne Williams Wins AO Wildcard Playoffs

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Rhyne Williams Wins AO Wildcard Playoffs

By Erik Gudris

(December 16, 2012) -- After being a game away from elimination in yesterday's semis, former college standout Rhyne Williams played some of the best tennis of his young pro career to win the finals of the Australian Open Wildcard Playoffs in Norcross, Georgia.

Williams faced Tim Smyczek in Sunday's final with Smyczek having won their last two meetings at the tail end of the season. It was also the first time Williams had ever had to compete in a best of five match per Australian Open rules.

Both players grinded their way though the first set with long rallies as neither could gain an early advantage. The set concluded in a tiebreak that had several momentum shifts before Williams won it when Smyczek mishit on a groundstroke from the far baseline.

The second set was also a close battle with Williams pushing himself to try and earn a two sets to love lead. But down a break point late in the set, Williams sent a forehand well long that eventually set up Smyczek to level the match at one set all. Despite losing the set, Williams relaxed and started going for his shots even more, especially on his favorite forehand wing. After an early break, Williams opened up a 4-1 lead in the third set and went on to take it 6-3.

Though Smyczek fought hard to stay in touch during the fourth set, it was Williams who looked more confident as the match wore on. Williams was content to wait in the rallies for an opportunity to attack with his forehand, and at 3-all, he finally converted on his fifth break point to go up 4-3.

Down 3-5, Smyczek fought off two match points against his serve, but the third one proved too much, as he sent a final shot well long to give Williams a hard earned 7-6(4), 5-7, 6-3, 6-3 victory.

Williams will now be added into the main draw of the Australian Open and it will also be his second consecutive Grand Slam appearance having playing at the U.S. Open earlier this year.

“He just kind of reeled off several winners, and it seemed like every time I had at least a shadow of an opportunity he came up with something big,” Smyczek said afterwards about Williams's play. “The beauty of this tournament is that I get another chance to try to qualify, so I’m playing good tennis, and I’m putting in the work this offseason, so I’m really excited for Australia.”

Williams said during the on-court ceremony that his efforts over the weekend was the best he's ever played.

“Tim, he’s been playing incredible to end the year. He beat me the last two times, and I woke up this morning and just told myself I was going to try to give myself the best chance to win,” Williams said. “Everything just kind of came together, and I played some of the best tennis I’ve ever played. But I'm looking forward to experience a new culture and see a new country. Many would give their right arm for this opportunity so I feel really blessed to be in the main draw."

(Photo Credit: Tennis Now/Gudris)