Asian Tournies #11

The final day of the tournament and Greg was there, having shown amazing mental toughness and endurance through four long tough three-set matches, and an injured leg, to get to the final. Another tough match faced him, against the No.1 seed and winner of last week's tournament in Korea, 26 year-old Israeli Dudi Sela, currently ranked 108, with an impressive high rank of 29. Greg needed to be 110% prepared for this match.

Dudi Sela

In the first set Dudi took control early, breaking Greg and holding serve to go a break up. Greg rallied and got a game on the board, games going to 5-2. Sela then broke Greg again, winning the set 6-2.

Hotel Asia in Fergana

In the second set, the match progressed in much the same manner. Greg was fatigued from the many games he had played in getting to the final. A very consistent player, Sela worked Greg side to side and did not miss. Greg could not get into position quick enough to hurt him, couldn't put Sela under any pressure, so once Sela had Greg out of position he was free to swing. Then once he was ahead he could afford to swing even more freely and Greg was not able to get into the match. Sela broke Greg and then went ahead again, breaking him to go go 4-1 up, then again to win the set 6-1 and a rather quick match 6-2, 6-1.

Sights of Fergana

Greg said he was rooted, had nothing left and that Sela had played very well.
Disappointing for Greg but he had a good week with some very good wins and had gained some valuable points by getting to the final, which should see his ranking go to about 216, and ensure he will gain entry into the qualifying for Wimbledon and most probably the US Open as well. All to play for for the rest of the year.