‘I WAS GOOD!’
JAMAICA’S Roland “Randy” Phillips produced a breathtaking performance at the Eric Bell Tennis Centre in Kingston on Saturday as he thrashed Estonia’s Kristjan Tamm 6-1, 6-1 in the first match of their Davis Cup Group Two play-off tie.
Phillips, who is the country’s number two-ranked player, needed a mere 36 minutes to brush aside Tamm to win the first set quite easily.
Phillips was very swift across the court throughout the match and played delightful shots as he outclassed Estonia’s number one-seeded player throughout the contest. In fact, after winning the first set in lightning fashion Phillips was even more dominant in the second set, as he wrapped up proceedings in 34 minutes.
There were huge cheers inside the sold out venue after Phillips finished off his opponent with a massive right-handed volley.
Phillips said he was very surprised with his performance because he thought that his opponent was a lot better.
“I was good; and it was a good start for us because I don’t want to get ahead of myself because there is still along way to go in this tie,” said Phillips. “However, I am really happy for the victory because this has started us on the right path.
“[To be honest], I did not expect such a massive victory because I know he is a very good player, but maybe it wasn’t his best tennis… I am just happy for the win,” Phillips beamed.
He shared that he has prepared himself well for the championship and thinks he is in excellent shape and high on confidence.
“I think that I am playing my best tennis at the moment because I have been working very hard and so I feel good; and I am feeling fit, and I am ready for the second match on Sunday [today],” Phillips said.
He will now face Estonia’s number seeded player Kenneth Raisma in the reversed singles match.
The Jamaicans secured their second victory of the afternoon after the country’s number one player, Blaise Bicknell defeated Raisma 6-4, 6-4, 6-0.
Bicknell started the match very nervously as he trailed his opponent 4-2 before losing the first set 6-4. However the 21-year-old Bicknell, who has been in excellent form this season, rallied to win the second set 6-4.
Blaise outclassed his opponent in the final set to claim a comfortable victory.
