Asia-America Tour #8

This week it was Knoxville, Tennessee for Greg on the Challenger Tour for a $50k event. Seeded No.8 in the singles Greg avoided been drawn against the top seven ranked players in the draw but still got a difficult
draw in 33 year-old Finn Harri Heliovaara, ranked near Greg at 215, his

 highest ranking, so in good form.
With Greg serving first serve dominated on the fast indoor court surface with no points being lost against serve until the 5th game at 2-2. Greg held his serve though and games went to 5-5, with neither player giving up a break opportunity. Greg held for 6-5 and was then able to put the pressure Heliovaara, who was serving to stay in the set. Greg got Heliovaara to 15-40, then converted the 2nd break-point opportunity to win a close first set 7-5.

Indoor court view - Greg receiving

Serving first again in the second set, Greg held serve but was unable to make inroads into the Heliovaara serve, games going to 4-4. Greg then had a huge service game, going to deuce and giving up a break-point opportunity, his first of the match. Heliovaara pounced, converting the opportunity to go 5-4 up and then served out the set 6-4 to tie the match at one-set-all.

Heliovaara then capitalised on Greg's apparent loss of concentration and broke Greg for the second game in a row to lead in the 3rd set 1-0 and then 2-0. Greg fought back but could not get the vital break-point opportunity, games going with serve to 3-5 in Heliovaara's favour. Greg needed to hold to put the pressure on Heliovaara but was forced to 15-40 and with two match points Heliovaara broke Greg again to win the set 6-3 and the match 5-7, 6-4, 6-3.

Finn Harri Heliovaara

A disappointing match for Greg, who should have had Heliovaara's measure. Greg started well but was not able to maintain his form and was not able to cope with or apply the pressure when required.

Greg still has his first round doubles match to come, to be played tomorrow.