It’s Qualifying time for the Australian Open.
Melbourne is a long way to come, so you would think twice about making the trip if you didn’t rate your chances.
So I was pondering the tale of Spaniard Oscar Hernandez, who managed to take only two games from fellow countryman Pere Riba, in the first round of qualifying.
Oscar is 35 years old, ranked 1508 in singles (48 was his highest) and 908 in doubles. His best result in a major was in 2007 when he made it to the third round of the French Open.
So what was doing trying to qualify for the Grand Slam of the Asia-Pacific?
Was he trying to emulate Chris Rogers or Brad Haddin by peaking in his mid-30s or was he visiting long lost cousin Ben Hudson, once Brisbane’s surprise Grand Final sprint entrant? According to the ATP website, he officially announced his retirement in 2011, so who knows? And is there a qualifying process to get into the qualifiers?
About Mark 'Swish' Schwerdt
Saw my first SANFL game in 1967 - Dogs v Peckers. Have only ever seen the Dogs win 1 final in the flesh (1972 1st Semi) Mediocre forward pocket for the AUFC Blacks (1982-89) Life member - Ormond Netball Club -That's me on the right
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Well picked up Swish ! A few questions to be answered . Love the , Ben Hudson sprint line
Maybe he was trying to emulate the “legendary” Leander Paes – qualify, but concentrate on doubles and walk away with enough $$ to set yourself up in Monaco?