Kellerman impresses world number two

Aussie Adam Kellerman has what it takes to reach the top eight of wheelchair tennis rankings and join the sport’s elite, according to his Australian Open first round opponent and world number 2 Stephane Houdet from France.

Kellerman was defeated, but not disheartened, in his 6-2, 6-2 loss at Melbourne Park on Wednesday last week to the three-time Grand Slam winning Frenchman.

Houdet, 44, simply outclassed the young Aussie, who is two decades his junior and ranked 15 rungs lower at number 17.

An extended, hard-fought rally during the second set, while Kellerman was down 4-2, 40-30, displayed Houdet’s refined game but also Kellerman’s ability to keep up with the world’s best.

It clearly made an impression on Houdet, who remarked after the match that he has seen a huge improvement in Kellerman over the past 12 months. Hearing that sort of praise is a powerful validation for the 24-year-old athlete from Sydney.

“I’ve had a really good year and made a lot of progress with my game,” Kellerman told The AJN following the first round loss.

“I’ve been feeling a lot more confident with my strokes. My serve has come a long way, and my backhand, my fitness is really, really good right now. I’m really happy with the last year.”

Before facing Houdet, it was a strong straight sets victory in the wildcard playoff against compatriot Ben Weekes that reinforced Kellerman’s stellar form, but playing against the world number 2 was another ball game.

“I played a really good match against Ben (Weekes) in the wildcard playoff and unfortunately I couldn’t back that up,” said Kellerman.

“I was really disappointed how I played today; it’s very different playing against Stephane Houdet, obviously, number two in the world, very experienced and plays a style that’s very difficult to keep up with. I need to believe in myself, but I couldn’t find that belief to overcome him.”

While Kellerman has noticeably bulked up in the past 12 months, evident in his ability to “hit a bigger ball”, he said it’s the game between his ears that requires attention.

“In the last year I’ve developed my strokes a lot, but I think my mindset needs to back that up. So I’ll be doing a lot of work on how I’m thinking on the court and the mental game of tennis, because that’s a big part.”

An injury-free 2014 saw Kellerman in peak fitness and enjoying a career-best season on the court, which even earned him Most Outstanding Athlete with a Disability at the Australian Tennis Awards.

“Last year I only played a few high-level tournaments so I only saw the top players a few times,” he said.

“But this year I’m planning to play more of those high-level tournaments, so I’ll be showing my face to these guys more often and hopefully taking them down when I get the chance. I know I have the game to beat the top players.”

Stephane Houdet thinks so; now it’s up to Kellerman to make it happen.

ADAM BLAU

For Adam Kellerman’s latest news, blogs and speaking engagement dates, check out his website: http://www.adamkellerman.com/

Pictured: Adam Kellerman in action at the 2015 Australian Open. Photo: Peter Haskin