Kirkin happy with the ‘mental fight’ he showed in tough win over Vesely

Kirkin.
| Photo Credit: B. JOTHI RAMALINGAM

Ergi Kirkin on Wednesday said his walkover win, 6(7)-7, 7-6(3), over Jiri Vesely helped him become more confident in coming good under pressure situations.

Kirkin had played long Davis Cup singles and doubles matches in Istanbul over the weekend and had to adapt to the weather and court conditions upon arriving here.

Kirkin and Vesely battled it out for around two hours and fifteen minutes before the latter retired. Kirkin lost the first set and won the second, both on tie-breaks. He went on to play a doubles match later in the day.

“I was happy with the mental fight I gave because it was not easy after losing such a long set. On Saturday, I was in a Davis Cup tie in Istanbul and I won a match 7-5, 5-7, 7-5. I also played a three-set doubles match the next day.

“I flew through Sunday night to arrive here on Monday morning. Also, it was 10-15 degrees there, while it’s 30 degrees here. So, it was tough. And I had to switch from indoor to outdoor (court). So, I was happy with how I had adapted today.

“For sure, it gives me confidence to win a match like this – that I can play long and come good under pressure moments,” said the 26-year-old.