Americas in the Spring 2013 #18

The quarter-finals of the singles of the Orange Park Futures tournament saw Greg face a tricky match against 28 year-old Mexican Daniel Garza, currently ranked 468, with a high rank of only 294. Garza will be a tricky opponent as some of the Mexican players tend not too travel as much as other players and thus they do not have as many opportunities as other players to accummulate points, so it is difficult to judge their actual ranking or form. Garza had been successful on this type of clay court previously having won a Futures title at Vero Beach a few years ago, but on paper Greg should win if he serves well and is able to maintain his intensity and concentration.

The green clay courts at Eagle Landing


The first set saw an even contest but it was Garza who got the decisive break of serve and he was able to hold his serve to surprise Greg and win the set 6-3.
Greg came firing back, increasing the intensity and taking the game to Garza, breaking the  Mexican twice, eventually win the second set 6-1 and take the match into the third set, at one set all.

Garza playing Davis Cup for Mexico

Garza was not done though and he rallied for the fourth set, matching Greg's intensity and keenly contesting each game. In the end the Mexican's clay court prowess and experience prevailed and with just one break of serve advantage, he served out the third set 6-3, to win the match 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.
Not a good result for Greg. He said he had not played well in the first set and that Garza had appeared to tank the second set once Greg had got his nose in front on the scoreboard. Both players had played well in the third but Garza just egded Greg, playing the big points better and getting the vital break. Greg said he felt his game is heading in the right direction but on reflection it is a match he should have won. Greg's coach Todd Martin was watching the match so hopefully he will be able to derive something from the loss and help Greg through his coaching.