Tennis: Inconsistency lets Kiwi down in end

Rubin Statham constructed rallies well at times in his match against Alejandro Falla of Colombia. Picture / Nick Reed

For a few moments yesterday Rubin Statham touched the void.

The New Zealand player, who was carrying a world ranking of 578, was a huge outsider in his first round Heineken Open match against Colombian Alejandro Falla (112).

Falla is a seasoned professional who has been as high as 46 in the world. He has played more than 250 ATP level (including Challengers) matches, appearing in 30 Grand Slams and 29 Masters events. In comparison Statham has never played at a Major, nor appeared at a Masters tournament and has only less than a dozen ATP level singles.

But for a while the gulf didn't seem so big. The New Zealander went out to an early 3-0 lead in the first set, and took service breaks off his opponent in both sets, winning eight straight points midway through the second set. At times he constructed rallies well and was aggressive when he needed to be.

But as is often the case when Kiwis appear at the Heineken Open, he couldn't maintain his level; couldn't keep the intensity and lost 6-4 6-4.

"I did things well but he does it a bit better," said Statham. "That's the difference. I know I can do it - I've beaten top 100 players before - but you need to play to that level all the time."

Statham's shot selection let him down at crucial times, and he will also reflect on some loose shots on big points.

"The difference is probably the consistency," said Falla. "That's what counts the most. He has some pressure from the home crowd but also has nothing to lose."

It seems like the Kiwi's big opportunity; barring a huge jump in the rankings, he won't get a chance to play at ATP tour level again this year. His ranking has ballooned out because of injuries, after he was established in the top 300 early last year.

From next week Statham heads back to reality, on the Futures and Challenger circuit.

"There aren't many fans and it's a do-it-yourself kind of environment," said Statham. "It's nothing glamorous - you don't get to drive around in BMW transport or stay in flash hotels but you get to see the world and I'm still doing what I love."

In other matches yesterday wildcard Borna Coric was beaten by Spanish youngster Pablo Carreno Busta 6-4 6-3 while Czech qualifier Jiri Vesley trumped Thomaz Bellucci 6-3 7-6(4). French qualifier Kenny De Schepper, American Donald Young and seventh seed Guilermo Garcia-Lopez also progressed to the second round, while sixth seed Colombian Santiago Giraldo was a surprise loss.