Asia-America tour #5

From Tokyo Greg flew to San Francisco, to Tiburon where his next tournament, a $100k Challenger, was to be played. The last acceptance in the draw, Greg would have to play at his best to progress through the draw. His first round match, scheduled for Monday was not played due to persistant rain and was re-scheduled for Wednesday. His opponent was the No.8 seed, 32 year-old grinder German Bjorn Phau, who has come to the fore in the twilight of his career, reflecting the aging game of world tennis, currently ranked 148 with a high rank of  59.

Greg served first and was immediately under pressure, forced to save a break-point in holding serve. Phau and Greg held before Greg brought up two break-point opportunities n Phau's serve, converting to go 3-1 up. Phau hit back immediately, breaking back and then saving a break-point to level the games at 3-3. Phau then broke Greg's serve to lead 4-3. Greg countered and broke Phau to level at 4-4, then held serve and broke Phau again to pouch the first set 6-4. 

With Greg serving first, services dominated the second set, with neither player giving up a break-point opportunity and games went to the tie-break at 6-6. Greg had served at 86% 1st serves, losing only 1 point on his 1st serve in getting to 6-6.

The tie-break was the complete opposite for both players. Greg lost his 1st serve, then won both of Phau's next points to lead 3-2, then lost both his serves (both 1st serves) to trail 2-3. Phau held for 4-2, then Greg broke him to get back on serve at 3-4. Greg held for 4-4, then lost his serve, another first serve, to trail 4-5. Greg broke Phau to level at 5-5. Two points from the win. But Phau held serve to bring up set-point, then broke Greg to win the tie break 7-5 and the 2nd set 7-6, levelling the match at 1-set all.

With Phau serving first in the 3rd set both player's held easily for 1-1, then Greg got Phau to 0-40. Phau responded with five good serves to deny Greg and hold serve for 2-1. Greg then faced break-point in the next game and Phau converted to take a 3-1 lead. Greg got Phau to deuce but could not get any further for Phau to lead 4-1. Greg could not close out the next game and saved two break-points before Phau broke Greg again and served out the set 6-1.

Greg will not be pleased wih that result. He had served well enough at 62% but Phau had returned well. Phau served at 40% but Greg could not convert enough of the second serves of Phau's that he saw. The tie-break was pivotal but Greg still had opportunities in the third set which the experienced Phau snuffed out.

Greg will be training with ex-USA top 10 player Todd Martin next week, so hopefully can get some invaluable coaching and improve his match game.