Tennis player Lachlan Vickery runner-up in 18 and under boys at December Showdown at Melbourne Park

Rockhampton’s Lachlan Vickery made it to the final in his age division at Australia’s most prestigious junior tennis tournament, as he prepares for his next challenge.

Rockhampton's Lachlan Vickery was runner-up in the Australian 18 years and under division at the December Showdown played at Melbourne Park. Photo: Tennis Australia

He fell one win short of the title but Lachlan Vickery says that while disappointed, he is taking plenty of positives from his performance at Australia’s most prestigious junior tennis tournament.

The Rockhampton ace finished runner-up in the Australian 18 years and under division at the December Showdown played at Melbourne Park.

He was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by New South Wales teen and second seed Pavle Marinkov in the final.

“I was pretty upset. I definitely didn’t play my best,” Vickery said.

“It was a little bit annoying after playing so well throughout the tournament and getting to the final and playing how I did.”

Rockhampton's Lachlan Vickery was runner-up in the Australian 18 years and under division at the December Showdown played at Melbourne Park. Photo: Tennis Australia

It was Vickery’s second nationals after playing his first when he was 12.

“I’d never been to a national final before so it was pretty nerve-racking,” he said.

“The winner got wildcards into pro events. I really wanted that and thought about it too much.”

Vickery won four of the six matches he played at the tournament.

Three matches went to three sets, including the semi-final where he saved a match point to beat South Australian Alexander Despoja.

“That win and my performance overall have given me heaps of confidence,” he said.

“It’s really good knowing that I’m able to compete with these guys, and to be able to make it that far was a pretty good achievement.”

Lachlan Vickery pictured at age 12, when he competed in his first nationals.

Vickery has also performed strongly in the open men’s tournaments this year, making it to the last round of qualifying in four of the six events.

He now has his sights set on getting an ATP ranking and feels that with the way his game is continuing to improve, that won’t be too far away.

Vickery, who is coached by his father Glenn, started in tennis at age five and played his first tournament several years later.

He has enjoyed plenty of success since, and was to represent Queensland at the national secondary schools championships in 2020 only to be denied by Covid.

His serve and his forehand are two of the biggest weapons in his arsenal, as well as his never-say-die attitude.

“I think my competitiveness is one of my greatest strengths,” he said.

“I’ll never give up. I love being out there and competing.”