Jamaica’s tennis standout Blaise Bicknell has labelled Sunday’s victory over Zachary Svajda in the final of the ATP Challenger Southern California Open at Indian Wells as the “biggest win” of his career.

Bicknell, 22, delivered a sensational performance, outclassing the American Svajda 6-3, 6-2 to claim his first ATP Challenger title. The victory over Svajda, ranked 143 in the world, propelled Bicknell’s global rating from 347 to 319 .

“This is the biggest win of my career,” said Bicknell.

“It is incredible because this is my first ATP Tour Challenger event that I have ever won in my career, and so it just feels unbelievable.”

Bicknell said he had nothing to fear from Svajda entering the final because he had always been confident that once he stuck to his game that he would be victorious. He has also set his sights on representing the country in a Grand Slam tournament.

BICKNELL…I knew he had trouble with his forehand, so I just pressured that.

“He [Svajda] is ranked 143 in the world, but I just played better, confident and dominant and I am just delighted that I came away with the win.

“This is the best that I have ever served because I was very confident with it and I knew he had trouble with his forehand, so I just pressured that and kept going and I came away with the win and I am very happy about that,” he said.

“I am now ranked 319 in the world and so I am just building up and hopefully, I will be in a Grand Slam tournament soon,” Bicknell added.

Coached by Jamaican Mel Spence, Bicknell displayed confidence from the outset, establishing a comfortable 4-2 lead in the first set. Although Svajda attempted a rally to cut the deficit to 3-4, Bicknell maintained control, winning the next two games to claim the first set.

Continuing his dominance across all areas of the court, Bicknell took control of the second set, reaching a 5-1 lead before comfortably securing the victory.

Spence also rated the victory as the most significant achievement in Bicknell’s career to date.

“This is his biggest victory ever because he beat this young man who is ranked 143 in the world, and he went out and he was fearless. He believes that he belongs here and he played like he belonged in the final, so I am very happy with his performance,” the coach added.