China’s Wu Di will compete in the main draw of Australian Open 2013 after winning the inaugural Asia-Pacific Australian Open Wildcard Play-off men’s final in Nanjing, China.
Wu defeated Thai No.3 seed Danai Udomchoke 7-6(1) 6-4 to secure his wildcard. On his way to the final the Wu toppled top seed Yuichi Sugita of Japan and No.4 seed and compatriot Ze Zhang.
The first set against Udomchoke was a tight affair, with a tiebreak required to split the players. Wu jumped to a fast start, taking the first five points and securing the opening set.
“The first set was very important. I think too much about the wildcard at the start,” Wu said after the match.
“Then in the tiebreak I played very relaxed and enjoyed the match. I am very happy that I have got this wildcard.”
Wu will now head to the Chinese Nationals before heading to Dijon, France to continue training for the Australian summer.
He is currently ranked No.186 in the world, the second-ranked Chinese player behind Zhang.
The 21-year-old has played just six matches at ATP level in 2012 and has never before contested a Grand Slam event.
His career high ranking of No.176 was achieved earlier in October 2012.