Apr 28, 2011

African Expedition - Update #5

Due to heavy and persistent rain the quarter-finals of the singles in Soweto was delayed until Friday, which meant that the winner of the match would have to back up and play the semi-final on the same day. Luckily it was the same for all players. Greg faced a daunting task in his match up with the No.2 seed and top 100 player, 27 year-old Gilles Muller of Luxembourg, currently ranked 119 with a high ranking of 59.
On the slick fast courts at high altitude, it was the services which dominated, and whilst Muller served more aces and less double faults than Greg, Greg played the bigger points better and managed to save a break point, as games went with serve in the first set to 5-5. Muller also saved two break points in the first set but, at 6-5 up, Greg brought up another break point and seized the opportunity, winning the point and with it the set 7-5.
In the second set, service again dominated. Greg managed to stay in front and at 4-3 broke Muller, to lead 5-3 and serve for the set. Greg served aggressively and Muller was unable to break back, with Greg winning the set 6-3 and advancing to the semi-final with a good straight sets 7-5 6-3 win.

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