Tennis:Following on Louk Sorensen's success at the Australian Open last week, the two Irish juniors competing in Melbourne started their main draw programme today with Sam Barry becoming the first Irish player to win at this level.
The Limerick player defeated Russia’s Victor Baluda in three sets (6-7, 6-4, 6-3) to set up a second round clash with Britain’s Oliver Golding.
“Sam’s win at the Australian Open is hugely significant for us,” said Des Allen, Tennis Ireland chief executive. “He is the first player from the Academy to win a Grand Slam match and we have been working towards this day since we first opened the doors in 2005.
“To win his first match in his first Grand Slam is a huge achievement for Sam and his coaches, the Irish Sports Council and BNP Paribas, all of whom will take great satisfaction from this.”
Barry trains at the BNP Paribas National Tennis Academy operated by Tennis Ireland at DCU in Dublin.
Dublin’s John Morrissey, ranked top 30 in world juniors, was the other Irish competitor in action but unfortunately he was comprehensively beaten by Germany’s Dominik Schulz (6-1, 6-1).