KEY POINTS:
GD Jones, New Zealand's sixth-ranked singles player, will be looking to ride the wave of optimism sweeping over tennis when he takes on fellow qualifier Nicolas Massu at the Heineken Open today.
Jones, ranked 1213 in the world, won through three rounds of qualifying without dropping a set
to take his place in the main draw.
Yesterday on centre court he dispatched Italian Alberto Brizzi - ranked over 900 places above him - to reignite a career beset by injury.
Jones admitted he had been inspired by New Zealand women's No 1 Marina Erakovic's run to the semis in last week's ASB Classic.
"That was so exciting to watch," he said. "I think everyone that was here really felt that energy and passion that Marina was able to bring out in the fans who've waited for so long to yell and cheer for a Kiwi to do well. It was such a phenomenal run for her and it was definitely inspiring to see that it can be done by a New Zealander.
"It was special and hopefully there will be more of that to come in the following years."
Jones' appearance in the main draw - the first time a local player has won through qualifying in Auckland in 21 years - can only be described as a massive shock. Although he sank to his knees as if he had just won Wimbledon following match point, he stopped short of saying he had surprised himself.
"It's not that I'm not that surprised, I'm just very aware of where I've come from in the last couple of years. This time last year I was at home injured and I couldn't even bear to come and watch, I was that distraught. I had three surgeries and hardly picked up a racquet in nine months.
"I really just feel more grateful [than surprised]. I'm just taking this one game at a time and enjoying it."
He will have his work cut out against Massu, the world No 80 and former Olympic doubles gold medallist.
Massu was the one place outside the cut-off from the main draw but breezed through qualifying.
Jones, 21, said he would concentrate on his own game rather than worrying about his opponent.
"The first time I played in the Heineken I was a little bit caught up in how special it was just to be playing. I didn't really focus enough on what I could do."
The last New Zealander to qualify for the national tournament was Malcom Elley in 1986 - the year Jones was born.
"I don't know if that's a very impressive statistic from New Zealand's point of view but I'm certainly very happy to qualify and get a shot at the main draw."
