Spring in Japan and Greg was in Kyoto for an ATP Challenger event.
Seeded No. 5 Greg drew his good mate and doubles partner for this event in the 1st round, 22 year-old Kiwi Ruben Statham, currently ranked 297. Statham came to Japan directly from a Davis Cup tie in Sri Lanka where he underpinned the Kiwis win with two singles victories.
Greg got the jump on Statham at the start, breaking Ruben to go 2-0 up. On the lightning quick indoor carpet surface serves dominated thereafter and Greg took the first set 6-3.
Greg again got a good start to the 2nd set, breaking Statham to go 2-1, then 3-1 up. However a poor service game at 4-3 allowed Statham to break back and level at 4-4. Greg brought up another break-point opportunity in Stathams next service game but could not take the advantage, Statham holding serve to lead 5-4, and putting the pressure on Greg to hold. Statham brought up set point and converted to win the 2nd set 6-4 and level the match at 1-set-all.
In the 3rd Greg had early opportunities but could not get the break. At 3-3 Greg took advantage got Statham to 0-40 and converted the 3rd break-point to go ahead 4-3. Greg held for a 5-3 lead and then at 5-4 up served for the set. He went 0-30 down, then saved a break-point with an ace. A couple od deuces later Greg fired another two ace to close out the set 6-4, and win a tight match 6-3, 4-6, 6-4.
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