Jamaica’s top-ranked Bicknell falls to Purcell in Jamaica Open first round

Jamaica’s number one tennis player, Blaise Bicknell, suffered defeat at the hands of Australia’s Max Purcell in the first round of the Jamaica Open on Monday night.

The match, which lasted more than two hours, ended with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-7, 6-3.

Bicknell, 24, fought back after dropping the opening set of their Round of 32 contest but was ultimately edged by Purcell, 28, a former top-ranked doubles player.

Purcell took the first set 6-4.

Bicknell responded with a determined display in the second, forcing a tie-break and winning it 7-3 to level the contest at one set apiece.

However, he was unable to complete the comeback, as Purcell regained control in the deciding set to close out the match 6-3.

Purcell advances to the next round of Kingston Open 1, while Bicknell’s campaign ends at the first hurdle.

The Kingston Open, an ATP Challenger tournament, is being held at the Liguanea Club in New Kingston.

Bicknell was the first Jamaican player to take the court in the inaugural event.

Meanwhile, this afternoon, another Jamaican, 22-year-old John Chin, who is based in the United States, will square off against 21-year-old Australian Edward Winter in their Round of 32 opening match.

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