Adam Walton is one of the up-and-coming players on the ATP Challenger Tour this season, but also a rare guest in our region of the tennis world.
by Florian Heer
last edited: October 18, 2023, 3:21 p.m
© Florian Heer
Adam Walton is playing in Hamburg this week
This week the 24-year-old Australian, whose friendly, casual appearance makes it easy to imagine him on a beach on the Gold Coast, is taking part in a professional tournament in Europe for the first time. He is seeded number two at the Hamburg Ladies & Gents Cup.
Walton has already won five titles on the ITF World Tennis Tour, two of them this season, and also recorded his first challenger-level success in Cary, USA, in August. He also won the doubles tournament at the San Luis Open in Mexico alongside Colin Sinclair. Born in Brisbane, Walton played college tennis at the University of Tennessee, where he won the 2021 NCAA doubles title with Pat Harper.
Walton made his first appearance at the Hamburg Tennis Association facility on Monday. With a clear 6:2, 6:4 victory over the Turk Ergi Kirkin, he moved into the second round of the ATP Challenger Tour event. We then met number 177 in the world rankings for an interview.
Congratulations, good start to the tournament. What was the key to success today?
Adam Walton: I’ve mostly played outdoors so far. This is my first indoor tournament. I knew I had to play more aggressively. I think I did pretty well. Conditions here are a little slower. I get more time to position myself for the shot. This allows me to control the rallies with my forehand.
Do you like the conditions here?
This is actually my first event in Europe ever. I’ve been to Europe a few times and played leagues in Germany, but this is my first tournament in Europe. I really like it here so far.
Which club did you play for?
I played for Solingen.
How come you are competing in Hamburg this week?
I played college tennis at the University of Tennessee. I like hard courts, and in Europe there are usually a lot of clay court tournaments. I feel very comfortable playing in the USA. My college location is great and my planning so far has been heavily focused on tournaments in the United States.
But are there other tournaments taking place in America these weeks?
Yes, but not this week actually. That’s why I came to Europe. I will stay here for a week or two. Then I go back to the States for three more tournaments before my season ends in Champaign, Illinois. Then we go to Australia to prepare for the new season.
Are you coping well with all the rigors of travel and do you find it easy to adapt to new conditions?
This is my first year on the tour as I got my master’s degree last year and came out of college unranked. So I had to start at $15,000 tournaments and slowly work my way up. I started playing some Challenger tournaments in April of this year. I’m still learning to adapt to new places, conditions and balls. Everything is new to me, but so far I really like it all.
How did college tennis in the USA help you prepare for the professional tour?
Enormously. I entered college as an 18 year old. I was probably a little too skinny and immature to play professional tennis. College tennis was definitely the right path for me. I played fourth position for my team in my first year and was able to steadily improve. I also became physically stronger. In my final years of college, I felt like I was one of the better players and could compete with anyone at the college level. That’s what finally made me decide to go on the professional tour.
Have you now found that you can keep up with the players on tour?
After my fourth year of college, I had another year due to Covid. In between, I didn’t touch my racket for three months during the summer. I coached some kids. I was often at the lake and had a lot of fun. I didn’t enjoy my tennis. Then I came back for my last year of college tennis and played really good tennis. The fact that I didn’t have to think about it too much helped. Afterwards, my coach told me that I should try out on the professional tour, and I won the second tournament I played. I thought, okay, there’s something in there. Since then I have gradually risen in the rankings.
What is your current training situation like?
On my off weeks, when there isn’t enough time to return to Australia, which is the usual case, the coaches let me use the facilities and I train with the boys on the team. I do this most of the year.
How do you spend your free time when you’re not on the pitch?
It depends on the places I am. In some places there is more to see. I really hope to have the chance to see some sights here in Hamburg. Europe is still pretty new to me.
It’s your first visit to Hamburg, right?
Yes, but I was in Germany over the summer and already played tennis there.
What have you heard about the city?
Only good things. Johanna Silva, who competes in the women’s tournament here, also studied at the University of Tennessee. We met for a few years. Additionally, my good friend Mark Wallner received a wildcard for the doubles tournament. Being here with him made it easy for me to come because at least I know someone that I get along very well with. That’s really great.
You are also a good doubles player and are ranked 167th in the world. Is this something you enjoy and want to continue doing?
I prefer playing singles. I probably won’t play in as many doubles tournaments next year to focus on singles. My goal is to qualify for all four Grand Slam tournaments. I play doubles to help my singles. That’s how I see it. I enjoy playing it, but I know I can probably be more successful in singles.
How would you describe your own playing style?
I would say that I am an aggressive baseline player who is also a good counterpuncher. I like to win my points from the baseline. I like my serve and try to score some free points with it.
You rose up the rankings pretty quickly, gaining almost 300 positions this year. Now you’re seeded number two in a Challenger event. Does this also put pressure on you or do you see this as additional motivation?
It’s pretty funny because the Challenger in Cary that I won was probably the strongest I’ve played this year. Among others, Lloyd Harris, Rinky Hijikata and Liam Broady took part there. I think you just have to keep competing and know when it’s your week. I’ve played a few Challengers, and when you look at the tournament grids, sometimes you might think a field isn’t that strong and then you lose in the first round. That’s why I think you shouldn’t pay too much attention to the numbers. I’d rather let the tennis do the talking. As long as you learn from your defeats and are happy with your victories, you are on the right track.
Next up for the Hamburg Ladies & Gents Cup is Jelle Sels. What else can we expect from you for the rest of the week?
I don’t know most of the guys from Europe. I know most of the players who take part in the tournaments in the USA. I’ll probably watch a few videos to find out how he plays and what might work well for me. I look forward to it.
Thank you very much and continued success.
2023-10-18 14:55:00
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