Euro Summer 2010 Update #8

Second round of Wimbledon qualifying at Roehampton had Greg first match on against 27 year-old American Jesse Witten, currently near his high rank, at 170. A tough but winnable challenge for Greg, on a sunny but very breezy English summer day.

Serving first Greg again started slowly and Witten took full advantage breaking Greg first up and then holding to go 2-0 up. Greg held in another close service game to get on the board at 1-2, before Witten held, then again broke Greg's serve to go a double break up at 4-1. Greg had break-point opportunities to get a break back but was unable to convert and Witten served out the set, winning the 1st set 6-2.
Greg got into the groove in the 2nd set and started holding his serve a lot easier, but Witten stayed with him, games going to 3-2 Greg leading. Greg then created a break-point opportunity on Witten's serve but a good 1st serve by Witten denied Greg the break. Games then went with serve to 4-4, 5-5 and then to the tie-break at 6-6.
Greg was first to get a mini-break, leading 2-1, then serving to go 4-1 up. Witten held his serves for 3-4, then broke Greg to level at 4-4. Greg held for 5-4, then at 5-5 broke Witten to bring up set point on his own serve at 6-5 up. Back Witten hit a great return and won the point to deny Greg, 6-6. After a change of ends it was Witten who prevailed breaking Greg to go 7-6 up and then serve out the match.
Greg will be very disappointed after winning so well in the 1st round.
He will now enjoy Wimbledon and the sights of London before going to Rhodes for a well earned holiday, before returning to Australia to re-charge the batteries.