Oz Swing Feb2011 - Update #4

It was a windy and rainy day that dawned for players in the Challenger tournament at Caloundra. Greg's first round match was against the No.6 seed, experienced 31 year-old Czech Jan Hernych, currently ranked 168, with a high rank of 59 in mid 2009. Hernych had recently qualified for the Australian Open and reached the 3rd round, beating two top 50 ranked players before losing to Robin Soderling. So a tough test for Greg.

Caloundra Tennis Centre

In almost gale force wind conditions it was the experienced Hernych who adapted quickest and he broke Greg early to take a 3-1 lead, increasing that to a double break at 4-1 up. Greg dug deep and managed to break back against Hernych, who was serrving into the wind, to get to 2-4 down. But Hernych applied pressure and broke Greg again, then served out the set 6-2, to go a set up.

The second set started in the same manner, Greg stuggling with his serve in the wind and going an early break down. He quickly broke back and this time, with the wind dying down slightly and him serving better, managed to hold serve and get to 5-4 up. Greg was able to apply pressure on Hernych's serve and get a break-point opportunity, converting to take the 2nd set 6-4 and level the match.
After a thoughtful toilet break, it was a fired up Greg that returned to court for the third set. So was Hernych, who broke immediately and take a 1-0 lead, holding serve for 2-0. Greg steadied and held serve, getting to 1-3 down. Then he faced the prospect of going a double break down, serving at 15-40. Two solid points later he had managed to level at deuce and then closed out the game with some good serving. Greg began to play better and match Hernych's increased level, games going with serve to 4-5, with Hernych serving for the match. Greg upped the ante and forced Hernych to break point, then levelling the set at 5-5. He the served a love game to lead 6-5. It was a nervous Hernych who served to save the match, Greg getting him to deuce and then bringing up match point but was denied. Then, with advantage point, Hernych served two double faults, handing Greg match point again. This time Greg was able to convert, winning a remarkable match 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
A trying match in difficult conditions but Greg stuck to the task, applied the necessary pressure and capitalised on his perseverence for a come-from-behind win.
Greg will have a day off tomorrow as he is only scheduled to play again on Thursday.