ASB Classic: Kiwi wildcard James Watt impresses in ATP debut against world No 49

But Watt – who had the centre-court crowd on their feet at times – showed he can be more than competitive, off the back of his serve and powerful forehand. The experience has added more belief for Watt, who is the ultimate late bloomer, after coming to the fore in the last two years.

“There was a couple shots that missed by a few inches and, if those had landed, then it could have easily been the other way,” said Watt. “But that’s tennis and I’ll learn from this experience, take that with me and keep improving. Honestly, the fact that I can hang in there with a guy top 50 in the world [gives me confidence].”

Watt isn’t sure he wants to pursue a career in singles, given his recent startling gains in doubles, where he has risen to No 87 and won several Challengers alongside compatriot Finn Reynolds. That has left them on the cusp of regular starts at ATP level and they are a good chance of playing at the Australian Open, currently fourth on the alternate list. It’s a compelling choice but Monday’s experience will be food for thought, given the rarity of Kiwi singles exponents in the last decade or so.

“It gives me a lot of confidence behind my singles,” said Watt. “We have some big doubles matches coming up with Aussie Open as well next week, so I’ll see how that goes and I’ll take them all into consideration.”

Watt was a mystery to most spectators on Monday, who would not have seen him play before. He impressed in the Davis Cup tie in Georgia last September – winning both singles matches – but wasn’t a feature on the scene here as a junior, before going to college in the United States.

But he showed why there is genuine excitement about him, sending down a barrage of 220km/h serves. And he wasn’t a one-trick pony, with some lovely touches at the net, angled groundstrokes and decent agility, considering his height.

Watt was broken at 3-3 in the first set – sending a forehand just wide – but had a chance to break back straight away, although wasn’t able to take it. The second set felt tighter, as Watt started to adjust to the level. A turning point came in the third game, as Watt had two break opportunities but Brooksby was good enough to save both.

“That was a big momentum shifter, for him as well,” said Watt. “For him to get through that, he knew he dodged a bit of a bullet and, for me, it was a string of unforced errors or big points that I didn’t capitalise on.”

Watt then gave up a relatively easy service game at 2-2, but kept fighting to the end. He saved a remarkable five match points, serving at 3-5 down before Brooksby was able to convert the sixth, assisted by a net cord.

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