The 18-year-old wildcard recorded an impressive 6-4, 6-1 triumph over the Canadian sixth seed and former world number 92, to earn his first main draw win at the ATP Challenger level.
“Ahh, it was an insane match, I think I played very well, I felt confident out there,” commented Montsi following his match
“I just woke up this morning telling myself I’ve got nothing to lose, it’s either I use this opportunity, or I don’t.
“I just went out there, just started fighting, I believed in myself for every point and I just kept going, am glad I got a win.
“I feel very good, I’ve always dreamt of playing on this level and now I got the opportunity and got a win against a very good player.
“It’s just a special feeling, I’ve always wanted to get a win at a challenger level and compete here and you know; dreams come true, so am very happy with the win,” added Montsi.
Montsi will next face unseeded Spanish Adrian Menendez-Maceiras in the second round on Wednesday.
The 35-year-old Spanish defeated Zdenek Kolar of Czech Republic 6-4, 6-0 to book his place in the second round.
Montsi said he needed to recover and prepare himself mentally ahead of the second-round clash, “I think am just going to go back, recover a bit and get myself mentally prepared for my next singles match and doubles match.
“So, yeah, it’s going to be tough, I guess there’s no easy match here, so I am going to have to come out and fight as usual.
Image Café / Barco Greeff (South African teen sensation Kholo Montsi in action on day 2 of the Potch Open, an ATP Challenger 80 event at the North-West University in Potchefstroom).
