Culph went down in a thrilling super tie-break to Melbourne's Fitzgerald, 6-2, 3-6, 10-5, just hours before the pair teamed up for the men's double final at Wodonga's Labour Day tournament.

"It was a really physical battle," Culph said.

"I didn't serve too well in the first set but I was able to compose myself in the second set.

"Over the last couple of years Fitzy and I have built a pretty good friendship.

"He's a tough competitor and hits the ball as well as any off the ground."

Culph, who has won the Labour Day tournament on four occasions, admitted it was good to have overcome niggling injuries which had set him back last year.

"I missed out on a final, but I'm stoked to get to the back end of these events and be physically pain free," he said.

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"I love playing at home on the grass.

"It's a strong event with good players here every year."

Culph now has the Albury Easter tournament in his sights.

Fitzgerald went on to defeat second seed Taj Hibbert in the men's singles final, 6-1, 6-4, before combining with Culph to finish runner-up to Nicholas Bigeni and Aaron Osmond in the men's open doubles.

Last year's Margaret Court Cup winner Ashleigh Simes claimed the women's singles defeating Eliza Dunbar 6-3, 6-4, while Sophie McDonald and Sarah Rkuesk won the women's doubles.

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