Add to that a big service game and Rocard knew he had to ensure Shand didn't draw him into a power game.
"I had to have a clear head and a positive mind set," he said.
"I went through unbroken [in serves] through the match so I'm pretty happy."
For Rocard that was a reinforcement of his decision to go to the Pure Tennis Academy in Brisbane a year ago after leaving Napier Boys' High School.
"I knew I had to go somewhere like that if I was going to make something happen so I'm confident it's a good move now."
He is grateful to his "awesome" parents, Anne and Marc Rocard , who invested in his talent knowing the overseas experience would help him bridge the gap with Shand.
The teenager, who has been playing competitive tennis for five years, attends half-day classes at the Clairvaux Mackillop College while honing his skills.
Last year at the Kennedy Park International, Rocard won the 18 singles crown but lost the 16 singles to Shand.
He also won the 18 doubles and 16 doubles with NBHS pupil Adam Winter.
Yesterday Rocard replicated that feat when he won the 16 doubles with new partner Hamish Lee, an old mate who used to train with him.
The pair are hoping to clinch the 18 doubles today.
Rocard arrived in New Zealand on December 2, playing tourneys in Auckland and Hamilton but not breaking into qualifying rounds after coming up against "quality opponents".
He thanked his coach, James Peach, for his tutelage for a year.
"He's an awesome coach, someone who is easy to talk to and learn from and generally hang out with."
Libby Lowry, of Hastings, gave it her all in her first outing in the girls' 10 singles final yesterday but lost 4-0, 4-0 to Abby Ross, of Taranaki.
The 10-year-old from Pukehamoamoa School, thoroughly enjoyed the tourney regardless.
"I'm very excited," said the Year 5 pupil who is the daughter of Bay horse racing trainer Guy Lowry.
They have a tennis court at home where she plays with brothers Sam, 13, and Charlie, 12.
The youngster hopes to one day become a professional player.