Hutchins, playing in his first Grand Slam since the 2012 US Open after battling cancer during the entire 2013 season, and Fleming battled to victory against local favourite Marinko Matosevic and Pole, Michal Przysiezny to progress to the second round.
In December 2012, Hutchins was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphona, spending the first six months of 2013 undergoing chemotherapy before spending the latter half returning to full fitness after being told he was in remission.
In a post-match interview, Hutchins told BBC Sport, "It's an amazing feeling to be back, and especially to get our first win since coming back in 2014".
Fleming was equally joyous to be back with his long-term doubles partner. "When we won I felt a bit emotional myself. I don't know how Ross felt, but just to get that first win under out belt [was great]".
After losses in Auckland and Brisbane in the run-up to the Australian Open both Fleming and Hutchins were keen to return to winning ways. However a nervous start caused them to lose the opening set, a Hutchins loss of serve the only break of the set.
The British contingent squared the match up at a set of piece after breaking at 5-4 in the second set. From then on they controlled the match, dominating the final set 6-0 on another scorching day in Melbourne.
It was a good day all round for the Brits as fellow doubles specialist DOminic Inglot sealed his place in the second round alongside partner Treat Huey. They beat Cololbian pair Robert Farah and Juan Sebastian Cabal 4-6 6-4 6-3.
Published on SEaT Capital.
No comments:
Post a Comment