Matt Ebden steamrolls past Dominic Thiem at Shanghai Masters

Matt Ebden steamrolls past Dominic Thiem at Shanghai Masters image

Matt Ebden has enjoyed one of the highlights of his career in Shanghai after taking down world No.7 Dominic Thiem.

Ebden took out the second-round clash against the Austrian in three sets, prevailing 6-4 6-7 (8-10) 7-6 (7-4).

The South African-born 30-year-old had a straight-sets win in his sights after winning the first 6-4, before Thiem battled to take the second set in a tie-break, 10-8. 

However, Ebden battled to take the third set in another tie-break, and wrapped up the match.

Ebden reached the quarter-finals in Shanghai in 2011, and will now back it up following his win over French Open finalist Thiem.

MORE: Nick Kyrgios in row with umpire during Shanghai Masters defeat

It wasn't just the win over another top 10 player that buoyed Ebden - it was how he closed it out.

After letting the second set slip away - where he twice came within two points of sealing the match - he recovered from failing to serve out the match in the third set to grab the upset victory.

Ebden sat on match point after breaking the Austrian’s serve to lead 6-5, but Thiem snuck in a lucky winner off the net.

Regardless, again sitting in another tie-break situation, Ebden regained composure to retake control and win the tie-break 7-4, and the match.


 

The win over Thiem was Ebden's second in 2018 against a top 10 player following his defeat of then-world No.9 David Goffin in the first round at Wimbledon.

Ebden - ranked 48 in the world - could bounce into the world's top 40 for the first time in his 13-year career with a win over German Peter Gojowczyk, with the winner to earn passage through to the quarters.

The Australian enjoyed a breakout season in 2018, reaching his highest-ever Grand Slam stage at Wimbledon - third round - while also showing promise at the Australian and US Opens.

Yet to win an ATP singles title, Ebden has won four ATP doubles titles and also won the 2013 Australian Open mixed doubles title with Jarmila Gajdošová.

Meanwhile, Alex de Minaur’s late season surge has gained more momentum with the 19 year-old defeating Canadia's Vasek Pospisil in straight sets, 6-4 7-6 (7-4).

After De Minaur grabbed an early break in the first, Pospisil couldn't break the defence of Australia's new No.1.

De Minaur is closing in on a top 32 ranking, which would guarantee him a seeding for next year’s Australian Open.

He will take on Frenchman Benoit Paire in the second round at Shanghai, with the winner to play either Alexander Zverev or Nikoloz Basilashvili in the final 16.