Autumn in the States 2017 #4

Tiburon Peninsula

In the second round of qualifying for the Tiburon Challenger Greg had a tough draw, up against the No.1 qualifying seed, 29 year old American Tim Smyczek. Currently ranked 189.  Smyczek has been a top 100 player, with a singles high ranking of 68 achieved in 2015, so a tough match up for Greg. Smyczek leads the head to head 1-0, winning their only previous match in straight sets at the Tallahassee Challenger in 2013.
The first set was a close fought affair, with Greg serving at a high percentage, whilst Smyczek was winning all his second serves, dominating from the baseline. It was Smyczek who crafted the only break- point opportunity of the set, snaring the vital break and going on to win the first set 6-4. 

No. 1 seed Tim Smyczek

In the second set Smyczek applied even more pressure, and when Greg's first serve percentage dipped, he was able to break Greg twice. Smyczek held serve to go 5-1 up and then broke Greg a third time to run away with the second set 6-1, winning the match 6-4, 6-1.
A disappointing loss for Greg in a tough assignment. It will be back to the practise courts for another week until the next tournament.
Greg was due to play in the doubles qualifying with compatriot Matt Barton, who like Greg is on the come-back trail after a long time off with injury, but it was not to be as Barton strained a muscle in his leg and was unable to take to the court, gifting their opponents a walk-over.