Baker qualifiers

British number three Jamie Baker will face Ivo Karlovic in the first round of the Australian Open after qualifying for the main draw.

Eurosport

Image credit: TNT Sports

The 21-year-old Scot beat Austrian Daniel Koellerer 6-4 6-5 in the final round of qualifying to earn his first-ever berth in the main draw of a Grand Slam tournament.
"I was ready for everything out there today and was so focussed throughout. I played confidently and think it was one of my best performances," Baker said of the dramatic victory.
A Davis Cup team-mate of Andy and Jamie Murray, Baker had a tricky route through Melbourne qualifying beating experienced Austrian Alexander Peya 6-4 7-6 in the second round and ninth seeded Russian Yuri Schukin 6-2 6-0 in his opener.
The Briton's reward is a place oppossite the 20th seeded Croatian Karlovic in the opening round of the main draw.
"To qualify for a Grand Slam is a huge step for me especially having quite a tough draw," Baker said.
"I worked hard in the off season especially on my serve with my coach Keith Reynolds and also with Louis Cayer and I think that it has really helped me. I've got nothing to lose now so I"m just going to go out there and enjoy it."
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