SAM Groth who was so strong for the Liston Seagulls in the state conference phase of the Asia Pacific Tennis League, has bowed out of the Australian Open wildcard playoff in the first round.
Groth, top seed in the men’s draw and ranked 218 in the world, was shocked by 17-year-old up-and-comer Nicolas Kyrgios, from Canberra, in a 6-4 6-2 3-6 6-3 loss at Melbourne Park on Monday.
Williamstown’s Andrew Whittington suffered the same fate with a straight sets 6-4 6-2 7-6 defeat to sixth seed Luke Saville.
Matt Reid was the only local connection to advance to the second round, but the Liston player had to do it the hard way.
The third seed came back from two sets down to beat Geelong youngster Jacob Grills 3-6 3-6 6-2 6-2 6-1.
