Rising tennis star Brad Mousley eyes progress in 2014 after strong run at Onkaparinga International

BRAD Mousley will use the confidence gained from a strong run at last week’s Onkaparinga International as he embark on a big few months of tennis.

Tennis player, Bradley Mousley - 17yrs (Wynn Vale)

BRAD Mousley will use the confidence gained from a breakthrough run at last week’s City of Onkaparinga International as he embarks on a big few months of tennis.

Mousley won his way through qualifying at the Australian Pro Tour Event at Happy Valley and then won his first main draw singles match.

He gave No. 1 seed and world No. 259 Jarmere Jenkins a scare in the second round before losing 7-7, 1-6, 5-7.

“It’s disappointing not to win a match when you have the opportunities but it is good to know I can compete with guys of that level,’’ the Wynn Vale resident said.

“He just played a little bit better at times on the bigger points and that is something that probably comes with experience.”

Jenkins saved 18 break points during the match, demonstrating the opportunities Mousley created.

Mousley travels to Port Pirie this week to play in another Australian Pro Tour event before heading to Mildura.

At the end of the Australian season he will head to Europe to compete in third-tier professional events and chase rankings points.

He is currently the No. 15 ranked junior player in the world, while his senior ranking is about 1500.

Mousley’s effort last week showed he has fully recovered from a stomach muscle tear which hindered him through the second half of 2013.

He said a focus on playing attacking tennis since resuming was paying dividends.

“I’m trying to stick to my own game and be attacking, rather than worrying about what the other guy is doing too much,’’ he said.

“It’s about trying to use my forehand and my serve to set points up.”