The Off Season 2014 - #3

After much consideration Greg decided to withdraw from the Australian Open Wild Card Play-off due to the continuing problem he has been having with his back after extended periods of play. He would not be able to last through a best of five set match at this time,, never mind four matches in a week, and would be in danger of doing more harm to his back. He has arranged to get the help of a specialist back physiotherapist, commencing this week and will be working hard thereafter to get his back right and his fitness level to the requisite level to hopefully recommence competitive tennis in January 2015.
But before this week began he had some other tennis commitments to fulfil. Greg had agreed to play for the Kooyong Classic team in the final game of their conference rounds. The Classics were in with a good chance of making the South East Conference final if they performed well in this final round. Headed up by Greg's good mate Dave Bidmeade and backed up by AndrewWhittington, Daniel Byrnes and doubles ace John Peers, with young Marc Polmans also on the team list but busy with the 18&U National tournament, it was a tough task as they were up against the leaders of the conference, the star-studded team of the Royal South Yarras. The Yarras line up far outranked Greg's team, with Luke Saville at 158 in the ATP, Alex Bolt closing in on a top 200 ranking and Dane Propoggia and Adam Hubble both ranked in singles and even better in doubles.

Greg up against Luke

It was a close affair on Friday night but the Kooyong team did just enough to make the finals, even though they lost narrowly to Saville's Yarras team on a count back, by a mere 3 games 46-43, after games and sets were shared 3-8 each. Greg played against Luke Saville, and after a slow start on the unfamiliar en-to-cout surface, losing the first set 0-4, he bounced back to take the second set 4-1, but Saville was not to be denied and won the match by taking the final set 4-1. Greg then combined with John Peers to topple Saville and Bolt 4-3, 4-2. Whittington and Bidmeade both recorded wins but Peers lost in 3 sets to Propoggia.
Ironically both teams topped the SE Conference table and so were to face-off against each other just two days later, this time on Indoor Hard Court at Melbourne Park, to determine who would win the Conference and gain the right to play at Melbourne Park in the second week of the Australian Open against the other Conference winners.

Victorious Kooyong

Greg and Peers led off the final for the Classics, in two critical matches, both needing to improve on their Friday evening showing against the same players against whom they lost. And they came through well, Peers first finished with a straight set 4-2, 4-2 win over Dane Propoggia, whilst Greg did well to come from a set and a break down to tough out a 2-4, 4-3, 4-2 win over Luke Saville. With Whittington winning his match against Alex Bolt 4-2, 4-2 but Dan Byrnes going down to Adam Hubble in two tiebreak sets 4-3, 4-3, the Classics led 3-1 and only needed to win two sets in the doubles to win the final.

Post win celebrations at Kooyong

Teamed together again in the doubles, John and Greg dropped the first set against Saville and Bolt, but on the other court Byrnes and Whittington snared the first set to settle the nerves. Greg and John responed and won the second set, and the final was decided. In the end the Classics lost both the doubles matches in the deciding tie-break set but the Final has been won, the Classics causing an upset winning by virtue of winning more set, final score 3 matches all, 8 set to 7.
Greg and the Kooyong team were delighted and will be preparing hard to be in good shape to play the ATL Finals at Melbourne Park in the last week of January.

The Off Season 2014 - #2

After the Nepean event Greg spent a few days recuperating in Sydney then headed off to Auckland. Greg, along with good Kiwi mate Ruben Statham, young Jordan Thompson from NSW, Artem Sitak and the other top New Zealand players were invited to play in the Wither Hills West End Cup tennis tournament in Auckland, the first event in the NZ Festival of Tennis. Greg was keen to play in the event as he had missed out playing there last year due to other commitments and also to give his back a good test prior to making a decision to play in the Australian Open Wild Card Play-off in December.


The crowd and concessions

Greg, seeded No.3, had a bye in the first round so did not play until Saturday, which was a quarter-final match. His opponent was 24 year-old Finn Tearney from NZ, ranked 1591, but who had a handy game, having taken a set off Jordan Thompson earlier in the year. Again on a synthetic grass surface Greg struggled with his movement and adapting to the surface.

Greg steadies for a forehand

However in the normal set format he was able to slowly work his way into the match and get used to the surface under match conditions, eeking out a 7-5, 7-5 win over Tearney.

Lunch with the spectators

In the semi-finals on Sunday Greg faced up against the No.2 seed Ruben Statham, winner of the tournament last year. Ruben was on fire early on and took advantage of Greg's hesitancy on the synthetic surface, delivering a bagel first set 6-0 score over Greg. He then went an early break up in the second set but Greg fought back, levelling the score and getting the score to 5-5. Ruben held for 6-5, then broke Greg to register a 6-0, 7-5 win over Greg to advance to the final for the second year in a row.


Ruben launching into a serve

Later that afternoon Ruben went on to beat the No.1 seed Jordan Thompson to win back-to-back titles.
Greg said it was an enjoyable tournament, with plenty of hard fought competitive tennis, played in good spirit. His only problem was that his back is still causing him some pain and will most probably cause him to not contest the AO Wild card play-off and the rigours of playing the best of five-set matches on the hard courts of Melbourne Park. He will rather get some expert advice and treatment or physiotherapy, in an attempt to be fully fit and ready for the 2015 tennis year.

The Off Season 2014 - #1

After returning from Toyota Greg had a few days off in Melbourne, primarily to try and sort out a niggling problem with his back before heading back to Sydney to play in the Nepean Tie-break Shoot-out in Penrith and the associated AMT Money tournament. Greg was the winner of the inaugural Tiebreak shootout a couple of years ago, which was then a winner take-all $10,000 affair, and was keen to have another go. The only problem for Greg is that the event was played on a synthetic grass surface, generally only found in NSW, which is a very slippery surface compared to the surfaces on which he normally plays.The last time he had played on the surface was in 2011, the previous time he had won the shoot-out, and then his big serve won him the day.
Greg was extremely pleased to see all his old NSW mates like Matt Reid and Matt Barton and a few of the younger players like Jake Eames and Chris O'Connell . Seeded No.5, Greg's first round match was against 20 year-old Sydney player Dimitri Vidin, unranked in the ATP,  a player who had a few wins in qualifying, but against whom Greg would be confident in winning - on a hard court and in a normal set scoring system. But this was a tiebreak format and a lottery as such.

The Nepean Tennis Centre

In the warm-up the big serving Vidim was smacking the skin off the ball, but nervously started with a double-fault and then gifted Greg the tie-break by hardly hitting a first set and double faulting again, Greg winning the first set 7-3 without hardly a rally being played.
Vidim then settled down and got more into the tie-break, hitting a few more first serve bombs and moving Greg around on the slippery, half-patched synthetic surface. Greg was having trouble with his balance and in trying to turn and actually fell over once, gifting Vidim a couple of easy points and conceding the second tiebreak to him. One tiebreak each and now it was really a lottery with a deciding tie-break to be played.
Still uncertain on the surface, and with Vidim teeing off on virtually every point with nothing to lose, Greg fell behind a double break twice, but each time managed to pull back a break. But he could not stop Vidim serving for the match at 6-5, only to see him serve a double-fault, for Greg to level the score. But a few points later Vidim again had break-point, this time breaking Greg to win the tie-break 11-9 and dump Greg out of the tournament before he could even find his feet on what was for him a treacherous surface.
Coupled with the Tiebreak tournament, there was a fast serve competition. Greg stepped up and served four serves all over 200kph, the fastest 207kph, but with much leeway given with the legitimacy of all the serves he did not make the top five final, the quickest serve being over 220kph.
It was well organised fun event put on by the Nepean Tennis Association and enjoyed by all.
Greg was not able to play in the AMT event, pulling out due to his niggling back injury which is restricting his ability to serve and move properly.

Japan 2014 - Toyota Challenger #2

The indoor courts at Toyota

In the first round of the doubles in Toyota, Greg and partner James Duckworth were up against the No. 1 seeds, the Kiwi Davis Cup pairing of 25 year old Marcus Daniell and 28 year old Russian born Artem Sitak. Daniell and Sitak have had recent success in the doubles game, their concentration on doubles helping them to be ranked 108 and 66 respectively in the doubles.

Greg at back and James holding
trophy in the Shore Tennis Team 2004

Greg and James have not had the opportunity to play together for awhile, but the ex-school mates from Shore School in Sydney, have been doubles finalists previously.
The Kiwi pair started strongly, serving at 100% early on, holding well and getting an early break on the Aussies. James was struggling to find his range on his first serve and with their opponents still dictating on serve, the Aussie pair were unable to break back. The Kiwis broke again to win the first set 6-2.

Daniell and Sitak on NZ Davis Cup
duty

The second set was literally a repeat  of the first set. James was unable to find a first serve and the Kiwis shut out Greg and James by serving at close to an unbelievable 90%. They again broke the Aussie twice, also returning well, and going to a 4-0 lead, eventually winning a comfortable match 6-2, 6-2.
It was a tale of the serve, with the No.1 seeds serving unbelievably well, shutting out James and Greg, and James rarely hitting his first serve, putting pressure on the Aussies to hold.
Not the best way for Greg to end the tour year, a forgettable year beset with injuries.
Roll on 2015.

Japan 2014 - Toyota Challenger #1

In Toyota, for the second of the end of year Japanese Challenger tournaments, Greg had dodged a seed in the draw but still faced a stiff test in the form of 22 year old Japanese Yasutaka Uchiyama, currently ranked 265, with a high of 240 in July this year. On the slick indoor surface at Toyota, which Greg considers the fastest on the tour, the Japanese players are vastly more experienced and revel on the surface.

Greg tucking in at Welcome function

Both players started well in the first set and each faced a break point opportunity early in the set but neither was able to capitalise and they held serve. With Uchiyama serving first, games then went with serve to the tie-break at 6-6, Uchiyama just holding serve slightly easier than Greg.


Greg indoors at Toyota

In the tie-break, it was Uchiyama who got the first break, going 2-0 up but Greg hit back, breaking Uchiyama twice and winning five points in a row to go 5-2 up, Uchiyama to serve. Luck was not on Greg's side though and he was  unable to break Uchiyama again, then got broken for Uchiyama to level at 5-5. Greg held to bring up set point on Uchiyama's serve. Uchiyama was able to save that point, then held serve again to lead 7-6, with a set point to him. He then was able to break Greg, winning the tie-break 8-6, and snaring the first set 7-6.

Japanese Yasutaka Uchiyama

With the set under his belt and Greg serving first in the second set, Uchiyama attacked, breaking Greg to 15 in the first game, then serving four aces in the next games to go to a 2-0 lead. Greg consolidated at 2-1 but Uchiyama was now a set and a break up and able to play a more relaxed game, serving at over 75% on the slick courts to deny Greg any opportunity of breaking back. He went 4-2 up then again broke Greg, even though Greg was still serving well, to go 5-2 up and serve for the set. Greg was unable to stop Uchiyama winning the set 6-2 and a fast paced match 7-6(6), 6-2.
Greg said he had played well but had no luck when it was needed on break points or in the tiebreaker. Uchiyama had got the break in the first game of the second set when Greg was still wondering how he had lost the first set, and was then able to dictate, serving well to keep Greg at bay.
Greg is scheduled to play his first round doubles match later on the evening, partnered by fellow Aussie and good mate James Duckworth.

 

Japan 2014 - Yokohama #3

Ball person waiting to attend on court

 After the second round Greg had to back-up for his first round doubles match, partnering with young 20 year old Jordan Thompson, from the northern suburbs of Sydney. They were the last acceptance into the doubles and had fortunately dodged a seeded pair, up against a Korean pairing of 18 year old Hyeon Chung, ranked an amazing 180 (for an 18 year old player) and 21 year-old Ji Sung Nam, ranked lower at 502.

Young Oz Jordan Thompson

The first set was a closely fought contest, with Greg and Jordan bringing up five break point opportunities on the Koreans serve, but could only get one break of serve, as against the two the Koreans managed to win off only two opportunities. The Koreans played the clutch points better, winning the first set 6-4.

18 year old star Hyeon Chung

The second set was a reversal of opportunities, but not score, with the Koreans saving the only break point opportunity that Greg and Jordan were able to create, whilst converting two of the seven chances they created. Greg and Jordan managed to save five break points, and despite serving at 68%, still lost the set 2-6, and the match 4-6, 2-6.

Korean Ji Sung Nam

Greg was not happy with the result. He said he had played well but he and Jordan had missed a few volleys and returns, and not taken the chances they created in the first set.
Greg will remain in Yokohama, for a few days before moving on to Toyota for next week's tournament. He is going to train and hit with his old coach James Trottman who is in Japan with young Brit player Kyle Edmund.

Japan 2014 - Yokohama #2

Yokohama courts

 Better weather greeted Greg for his second round match in Yokohama, after early showers delayed the days play for half an hour. His opponent was 24 year-old Chinese Ze Zhang, who had knocked off the No.5 seed Sugita in a quick-fire straight sets win. Currently ranked 191, with a sub 150 high rank last year of 148, Zhang will be a stern test for Greg in his continuing come-back from injury.
Serving first Greg held serve and then immediately had Zhang in trouble in the next game but unfortunately could not convert the opportunity and Zhang levelled at 1-1. Zhang then had Greg in trouble at 15-40 and broke Greg to lead 2-1, then 3-1. He was on a roll after a nervy start and broke Greg again to lead 4-1, then 5-1. Greg was not serving at his best and was again broken to lose a quick first set 1-6.

Courtside concessions

Zhang had the bit between his teeth and with the first set safely won, held serve and then broke Greg's serve for the fourth consecutive time, to lead 2-0. Greg did not give up though and put the pressure on Zhang, bringing up break points on Zhang's serve and this time converting the opportunity to get back the break. He then held serve to love, broke Zhang again to love, then held serve again to love, winning 14 of fifteen points in a purple patch to pocket four games and lead the second set 4-2. Zhang responded and held serve, then got Greg to deuce but could go no further, games going to 5-4 with Greg serving for the set. In another close game Greg held firm and won the set 6-4, levelling the match at one set all. Greg had served well, at over 65% during the set and had reaped the reward
In the third set Zhang had the advantage of serving first and took full advantage after hodling his own serve, attacking Greg's serve. Greg's first serve percentage was over 60% again, but this set he won less than 50% of those points, Zhang again breaking Greg multiple times to go 5-1 up, serving out the set and winning the match over a disappointed Greg 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.
Greg said he had not served as well as yesterday and that the fast courts had him half a step off the pace, something he will have to work on in the off-season. he had played well in patches but could not maintain the intensity throughout the match. A lost opportunity as the seeds in his quarter had both been beaten in the first round.

Japan 2014 - Yokohama #1

Yokohama city skyline

The Asia Pacific part of the ATP Challenger tour moved on from Australia to Japan for the final two tournaments of the year, the first a $50k event in Yokohama, on outdoor hard court. Greg was originally only 3rd alternate, using his protected ranking of 317, but moved well into the main draw after a number of withdrawals in the week proceeding the event, thus avoiding the need to play in qualifying. For his first round match he received a modicum of luck when his proposed opponent, Japan's Uchiyama, ranked 264, was forced to withdraw with an ankle complaint, and was replaced by a "Lucky Loser" who had lost in the final round of qualifying. Greg's replacement opponent was 24 year-old Korean Cheong-Eui Kim, currently near his high ranking, at 410 this week.

Korean Cheong-Eui Kim

First match on, on a cool, overcast and slightly drizzly day, Greg found the early going tough, slow to adjust to the speed of the courts and Kim's game style, but still did manage to get an early break up, leading 3-1. He then had break points to go a double break-up but some careless unforced errors allowed Kim to hold serve and then break Greg, getting the score to 4-4. Kim held to lead 5-4 and then twice had break points on Greg's serve to potentially win the set. But Greg dug deep and saved the break points and held serve to level at 5-5. Then with Kim leading at 6-5, and Greg having to serve to stay in the set, the drizzle intensified and Greg took the opportunity to halt play, and all games were then suspended whilst the rain cleared.

Greg serving in Yokohama

Greg used the time to assess the situation, review the match and clear his head. After about a twenty minute break it was back on court for the players. Greg cleared the first hurdle by holding his serve to take the first set to the tie-break at 6-6, then set about winning the tie-break. He broke Kim's first serve, confidently held his own serve, then broke Kim twice more to lead 5-0, then 6-0. Kim got a point back before Greg converted his second set point to win the tie-break 7-1 and win the first set 7-6.

Greg gets in to volley

Serving first in the second set, Greg was in the groove, holding serve then forcing Kim to deuce and bringing up a break-point, converting the opportunity to go 2-0 up. Greg held to love, then again forced Kim to deuce and then break-point. This time Kim saved three break-points before a dogged Greg fashioned a fourth opportunity and converted this time, to take a decisive 4-0 double-break lead. Greg then threatened to immediately hand a break back, allowing Kim to get to 0-30, but he rallied, winning the next four points to go 5-0 up. Then after Kim got on the board, Greg served out the match to win the second set 6-1, and the match 7-6(1), 6-1.

Kim waiting to return

A good result for Greg but he will need to improve his focus in the start of the match, as he had in the matches in Toowoomba. Greg served well, at 70% in the second set, converting a high percentage of them, and using his big serve to get into the net to volley, putting the pressure on his opponent.
Greg will play his second round singles match tomorrow, as well as a first round doubles match, teamed up with young Aussie Jordan Thompson.

Back in Oz - Traralgon Challenger 1 #7

Back in windy Traralgon for the second $50k Challenger tournament, Greg was in the Main Draw of the singles this week, courtesy of his Protected Ranking of 317. A lot better than having to expend energy in the qualifying rounds, which were predictably delayed due to persistent rain, not to mentioned the wind. In fact the whole of last week's tournament was delayed, with the finals scheduled for Sunday only being played on Monday.
The draw gods were not too kind to Greg, delivering up a formidable opponent in the form of rising Australian star teenager 18 year-old Thanasi Kokkinakis. Kokkinakis is on a similar trajectory t the tp 100 as Nick Kourios, having been a finalist at both the Junior Australian Open and Junior US Open, recently beating top-100 ranked Marinko Matosevic and qualifying for an ATP tour event, to get his current ATP ranking to a high of 158. A tough match for Greg but one of opportunity to which Greg must rise.

Traralgon Tennis Complex

Serving first Greg held serve then immediately had a break chance on Kokkinakis' serve. But Kokkinakis held and then reversed the tables on Greg, breaking him to lead 2-1, then 3-1. Greg tried to fight back but Kokkinakis held firm, getting to 5-4 up and serving for the set. At 40-0 that looked a certainty but Greg saved 6 set points before bringing up a break point opportunity. But luck was not on his side and Kokkinakis saved, and then on the seventh set point held serve to pouch the first set 6-4.
Greg, struggling to get momentum, was immediately in trouble in the second set, saving two break pints before dropping his first serve to trail 0-1, the 0-2, when Kokkinakis held serve. Greg responded though, holding serve for 1-2, then getting Kokkinakis to 0-40, breaking his serve on the second opportunity to level at 2-2, then hold serve for 3-2. On a roll now Greg broke Kokkinakis again to lead 4-2, then 5-2. He then broke Kokkinakis for the 3rd straight game, amazingly rolling off six games in a row, to win the second set 6-2, and level the match a one set all.

Teenager Thanasi Kokkinakis

Greg continued in the third set, winning his seventh straight game to lead 1-0. Kokkinakis rallied and held serve, games going to 2-2 on serve. Greg then, in a critical long deuce game, had four game points but could not serve out the game, eventually saving one break point before Kokkinakis broke him to take the initiative in the third set and lead 3-2. Greg wrested it back, immediatley nreaking Kokkinakis to level at 3-3. But in a see-sawing third set a disappointed Greg dropped serve again to trail 3-4. Kokkinakis now had the bit between his teeth with the finish in sight and went 5-3 up. He then brought up two match points on Greg's serve, converting the break to win the third set 6-3 and the match 6-4, 2-6, 6-3.
Greg was frustrated at fading at the end of the match and not getting the job done when so close, but said he had bit the ball well and was buoyed by his overall performance against I good opponent. He had not played the clutch points as well as Kokkinakis and suffered for not being able to the chances he created.
Greg is not playing the double, so will return to Melbourne to train and work on a few things in his game before heading for Japan for two more Challenger tournaments.

Back in Oz - Traralgon Challenger 1 #6

After a couple of hours Greg took to the court again, in the unrelenting 30kph wind, for his second round match, up against another Aussie who he has known for half his life, the laconic Queenslander JP Smith, 25, currently ranked 229, with a high rank slightly better than Greg at 172. Greg and JP both represented Australia as 12 year olds and have known each other since, playing against and with each other on many occasions. It is JP who has had the upper hand lately, winning their last three encounters, generally in closely fought matches. A tough mental match for Greg against a player whose main weapon is his consistency and accuracy, who plays with guile and a clever change of pace.

Leftie JP Smith all concentration as he plays a backhand

Greg was immediately put on the back foot by Smith who had Greg at 0-40 in the first game. Greg saved one break point but Smith got the early break. Not to be left behind, Greg responded and broke back immediately to level at 1-1, only to miss a few first serves in the next game to get broken again , and give the ascendency back to Smith. Smith held this time to consolidate the break and force Greg to play catch up. Greg was starting to serve more first serves but Smith was in the groove, returning well and forcing Greg to play a lot of balls. Greg dropped serve to trail 1-4 but tried to fight back, having two break points on Smith's next serve but was unable to capitalise, Smith holding serve to stretch his lead to 5-1. Greg was then unable to prevent Smith from serving out the set 6-2.

Greg shows his frustration (Pics courtesy of Aceland)

The second set started in a similar fashion to the first set, with players swopping breaks of serve then holding to go to 2-2. A fatiguing Greg, who had played four matches in the horrible wind against Smith's single game, was getting frustrated with the conditions and his opponent's game style, and vented his spleen on a few occasions to relieve the pressure. But it was in vain as Greg could not prevent Smith breaking again, this time from a seemingly safe position of being 40-15 up, for Smith to lead 3-2, then 4-2. Greg tried to fight back back Smith held firm to get to 5-3 up. He then brought up match-point on Greg's serve, converting to win the match 6-2, 6-3.

JP about to claim the match

A frustrating match for Greg is which he did not serve at his best, allowing Smith to get a lot of balls into play and dictate the game. Again the wind was a factor but this time Smith handled it better than Greg. All in all not a bad week for Greg, still on the come-back from injury, in which he won three matches to qualify, then beat a player just ranked outside of 200.
Using his protected ranking Greg is in the main draw of the second challenger to be held at the same venue of Traralgon next week. Let's hope the wind will be blowing a lot less by then..  

Back in Oz - Traralgon Challenger 1 #5

With the wind still pumping, albeit only at 30kph, Greg and Matt Reid took to the courts in Traralgon to continue their first round match with Greg in the driving seat leading 4-6, 6-4, 3-1, requiring just three games to secure the win. No doubt the hardest three games of the match. 

The first service game was a mixed bag for Greg, throwing in two double faults and a misguided forehand amongst some good play, to face break-point at 30-40. A good serve saved him and he thankfully denied Reid the break, holding serve to lead 4-1. Reid held to get to 4-2, then put the pressure on Greg, getting him to deuce but was unable to break a determined Greg.

NSW's Matt Reid

It was now Reid's turn to face pressure, serving to stay in the match serving at 2-5. Reid buckled and Greg capitalised in the wind, breaking Reid to win the fourth game of the day and a hard fought windy match 4-6, 6-4, 6-2.

A good win for Greg which must have drained his mental capacity playing against a good mate in horrendous conditions.

Due to the nature of the scheduling, with the bottom of the half of the draw to play on Wednesday and the top half the next day, Greg has to play his second round match the same day, up against another Aussie, peer JP Smith, an old adversary dating from junior days.

Back in Oz - Trarlagon Challenger 1 #4

Action in Traralgon at the courts

With the wind still blowing at between 40-50kph in the late afternoon Greg took to the court for his first round singles match at Traralgon, up against fellow Aussie and good friend Matt Reid. They have known each other since Greg was 11 years old and had dined together the night before, reminiscing over old times and junior days, blissfully unaware they were to play each other the next day as Greg was still to qualify.

It was a slow start in the wind for Greg, going down 15-40 facing two break point in the first game. He saved those two then, in a massive 18 point game saved another three break points before Reid eventually broke Greg, to lead 1-0. Reid held serve, then again forced Greg to 15-40. Greg got it back to deuce but could not stop Reid on the next break point from going a double break up to lead 3-0. Greg hit back, breaking Matt to get on the score-board and reduce the deficit to 1-3, the held serve for 2-3. But he could not make anymore in-roads on Reid's serve, as the wind was slowly lessening in intensity and both players produced a few aces, games going with serve and Reid serving out the set 6-4.

Matt Reid pictured at Bernie in February

Both players started the second set well and games went with serve to 3-2 in Greg's favour. Greg then had an opportunity at 30-40 on Reid's serve, and converting to go a break-up. Reid was not phased and broke back immediately to get to 3-4, only to have repeat the break on him, and have the opportunity to serve for the set at 5-3. Reid was not done and in the fourth break in a row, a factor of the wind and nerves on two players whose serves normally dominate. In a topsy-turvey set Greg then broke Reid again, to pouch the second set 6-4, and level the match at one set all.

Greg trying to master the wind on his forehand

In fading light, with the wind a lot lighter but still gusty, Greg got the third set off to a good start, holding serve and then breaking Reid again to lead 2-0. He held serve for 3-0, then had Reid facing another break-point to potentially go a double break up. But Reid rose to the challenge saving and holding serve to get the score to 1-3. With light fading fast the match was suspended, to be completed the next day.
A full day of tennis in the howling wind for Greg, with contrasting matches. He would have liked to have stayed on court to finish the match as he had the ascendency but said the light was bad and it was the correct decision to suspend play. So on to tomorrow with a nervous three service games to win to secure the match.

Back in Oz - Traralgon Challenger 1 #3

Traralgon Town Hall

Persistent driven rain delayed the players getting on court on Monday morning for the final round of qualifying and it wasn't until early afternoon that the rain had abated and the courts dried so that the players could hit-up and attempt a start of the match. But it was not to be a the wind blew in more rain squalls and frustrated any further attempts to play for the day. And so it was to Tuesday before the final qualifying matches could be played, and the winners of those matches the would have to back-up and play a first round match a few hours later.

Bumpei Sato

With the wind howling a gale and very light rain falling intermittently on a miserable maximum 18 degree day, the player's reluctantly took the courts on Tuesday morning. Greg's opponent was 28 year-old Japanese Bumpei Sato, currently at his high ranking of 161 - a player who would be more used to indoors in that type of weather in Japan - but who made the quarter-finals of the same tournament last year.
Greg again got off to the perfect start, holding serve then breaking Sato and then holding serve again in the howling wind, to lead 3-0. He repeated the breaks twice more to pouch the first set 6-0 against Sato.
Greg then  inexplicably dropped his serve for Sato to get on the board at 1-0 in the second set but quickly bounced back to break Sato immediately to level at 1-1. Greg then skipped away, winning the next five games to record an quick 6-0, 6-1 victory, to advance to the Main Draw of the tournament. A much needed quick win on a day that he will be required to play two matches.
Greg said the win was the worst he had encountered at Traralgon, a notoriously windy venue, with some balls being blown across court at 45 degrees on a first serve. You shaped up for a backhand and then had to adjust to play a forehand, with shanked shots being the norm. On some points you just had to laugh and get on with the next point. Hopefully the wind would lessen in intensity by late afternoon when Greg was to play his first round Main Draw match, against fellow Aussie and good mate Matt Reid. 

Back in Oz - Traralgon Challenger 1 #2

The second round of qualifying at Traralgon had Greg matched up against one of Australia's rising junior players, 17 year-old South African born Marc Polmans, currently ranked 1057, with an ITF Junior ranking of 31.
Greg started the match well, holding serve then breaking young Polmans' serve and holding his own again to lead 3-0. Polmans held serve to stay close to Greg at 3-1 but a further hold and break of serve saw Greg serving for the set at 5-1. He held serve to win a quick first set 6-1.

A young Marc Polmans

Greg started the second set just as well, breaking Polmans' serve and holding his own to lead 2-0. But Polmans was not done, holding his serve and capitalising on a drop in Greg's first serve percentage to break Greg to love to level the set at 2-2. Keen not to let Polmans back in the match, Greg re-focused and broke back immediately, then held serve to again lead by a break at 4-2. Polmans held for 4-3 then forced Greg to face a break-point. Greg was able to save and after a couple more deuces won the game to lead 5-3. Greg then put the pressure on Polmans to serve to stay in the match. He forced Polmans to face match point at 30-40 but Greg was not able to convert, Polmans holding serve to turn the pressure back on Greg to serve for the match at 5-4. Greg struggled to 30-30 then played two good points to win the set and match, on his second match point, 6-1, 6-4.
A comfortable win for Greg, who although broken once, never face a break point in the first set. His first serve percentage was low in the second set but he was still able to win, playing 66% of the set on his second serve, including two second serve aces.
Two down and one more to go for Greg to qualify for the main draw.

Back in Oz - Traralgon Challenger1 #1

Park in Traralgon

Following the agonisingly close defeat in Toowoomba, Greg spent a week training in Melbourne before travelling to Traralgon, along with Aussie mate Jarryd Chaplin, to play in the qualifying for the first of two Challenger tournaments to be held there in consecutive weeks. Greg should have been in the main draw but his management group, who always do his tournament entries, somehow neglected to use his protected ranking for this tournament, so Greg had to play qualifying. Something Greg has now corrected for future tournaments.
Seeded 6, Greg's first round opponent was as yet unranked teenager Aussie, 18 year-old Lawrence Bataljin, from South Australia. Whilst unranked, Bataljin has qualified for a number of tournament and at Toowoomba led eventual title winner Jarmere Jenkins 5-0 in the third set, after winning the first set, only to capitulate, losing seven game in a row to lose 5-7.


Bataljin at West Lakes Challenger

Serving first, it was a repeat for Greg of the last tournament's first set, Greg holding serve well and breaking Bataljin twice to lead 5-0. Unlike Toowoomba, Bataljin managed to win a game, and force Greg to serve out the set, Greg winning it 6-1.The second set saw Greg ease up and Bataljin get into his rhythm. Greg twice had Bataljin at 15-40 but failed to convert the opportunities and the score remained close. Greg did manage to get the break against Bataljin and at 5-4 served for the match. Inexplicably, with the end in sight, at 30-30 Greg served two double faults and gave up an easy break of serve, allowing Bataljin to break back to 5-5. Games then went with serve to the tie-break at 6-6. Greg then took charge and went ahead in the tie-break, gaining the advantage before winning the tie-break 7-3 and the match 6-1, 7-6.
Greg said that whilst the score was close in the second set he always felt he was in control. He failed to capitalise on the opportunities he created and will need to tighten up his game in the next rounds. 

Back in Oz - Australia Futures 8 #3

The quarter-final round of the Toowoomba Futures tournament had Greg facing a tough challenge in the form of No. 1 seed, 20 year-old Aussie Luke Saville, a double Junior Grand Slam title winner, who has struggled a bit to convert his talent to the Men's circuit but has made good progress in a break-out year, with a current singles ranking of 171. He has had a short break recently due to injury and this tournament is his first since the break. In their only previous encounter Greg won in straight sets against a teenage Saville.
Greg was immediately under pressure in the first service game facing a break point at 30-40 but held his nerve, and held serve. He then turned the pressure on Saville, forcing him to 0-40 and converting to lead 2-0. Greg was now firing on all cylinders and broke Saville twice more in the set, to deliver a bagel 6-0 scoreline for the first set.
Saville to his credit did not go away, and matched Greg in the second set, games going to 2-2. Then in a long deuce game Greg saved two break points to go 3-2 up. A quick service game saw Greg again under the pump and this time Saville broke Greg to lead 4-3. Greg fought back but Saville held firm, serving out the set 6-4.

Luke Saville

Greg came out firing in the 3rd set, holding serve and then breaking Saville before holding serve to take a 3-0 lead. In the next game he forced Saville to 0-40 but Saville responded and Greg had no luck as Saville saved four break points to get on the board at 3-1. Perhaps a turning point  in match as had Greg broken he would have led. 4-0.
To his credit Saville continued to fight and at 2-4 down he again had Greg facing break points and on the third opportunity broke Greg to get back in the match, serving to level the score at 4-4. Greg responded holding serve to go 5-4 up. In another epic long deuce game Greg brought up three match-point opportunities but luck was not on his side and Saville was able to save those point and level at 5-5. Greg held for a 6-5 lead and again had a match-point but again Saville denied him, saving to level at 6-6 and take the 3rd set into a tie-break.
Serving first, Greg got off to a great start, breaking Saville twice to lead 3-0, only to drop his two serves and change sides at 3-3. Saville went 4-3. Greg held for 4-4, then Greg was broken, Saville leading 5-4 and serving for the match, which he did to win a pulsating match 76(4) in the third set.
Greg was naturally disappointed. Lady Luck was not on his side on four break-points at 3-0 up in the last set and on each of the four match points he had. Saville fought back well and stayed in the match, riding his luck to slowly peg Greg back and squeeze out a win.

Back in Oz - Australia Futures 8 #2

Panoramic view from Toowoomba

The second round of the Toowoomba Futures tournament had Greg matched up against the No.7 seed, 28 year-old Japanese Yuya Kibi, currently at his ranking high of 377. Kibi has had his best year since 2007 on the tour and won back to back $10k Futures titles in Japan this year, but has struggled to get any decent results away from his native country.
On a wind swept cool day, unusual for Toowoomba this time of year, it was Greg who served first and found himself facing two break-points in that first game. Greg  rallied, saving the points and getting his name on the scoreboard, and then immediately forced  Yuya onto the back-foot at 15-40. Yuya saved the first break-point but could not stop Greg from converting the next, giving Greg a 2-0 lead. Greg repeated the dose, holding serve then breaking Yuya again to hold for 4-0. He was on a roll and held serve to love then broke Yuya a third time to close out the set 6-0.

Jap Yuya Kibi

Yuya started finding his rhythm and confidence and after Greg held serve to lead th second set 1-0, Yuya managed to win his first game, and then two more service games to take the score to 3-3. He then forced Greg to face a break-point at 30-40 and converted the opportunity to lead the second set 4-3. Greg regained his focus and concentration and hit back immediately, getting Yuya to 15-40 but Yuya recovered to deuce before a determined Greg got the advantage and broke Yuya to level the score at 4-4.
Greg then held his serve to love, to go 5-4 up. He applied the prrsue again on Yuya to have two match-points at 15-40. Yuya managed to save those two match points and level the game score at deuce but Greg was determined to break and did so, converting the third match point to win the set 6-4 and the match 6-0, 6-4.
Greg said the conditions were very windy, but not as bad as the previous day. He had played well in the conditions and was pleased with the way he had closed out the match.