With the final of the doubles in Aptos being played on Sunday(normally Saturday) it was a late night dash for Greg, and the other finalists, from southern California to northern Kentucky for the next tournament. After eventually arriving the next afternoon it was an underprepared and sleep deprived Greg who had to play on Tuesday.
Seeded No. 8 in the Challenger tournament in Lexington, it was not the best of draws for Greg, up against talented 23 year-old USA player Alex Kuznetsov, currently ranked 232 but with a high rank of 158, who Greg lost to in straight sets earlier this year in their only other encounter.
It was Kuznetsov who took the initiative and broke Greg early before going on to win the 1st set 6-2.
Games went with serve to 2-2 in the 2nd set. Kuznetsov then reeled off 4 games in a row to stun Greg and win the set 6-2 and bundle Greg out if the tournament with a comprehensive 6-2, 6-2 win.
Whilst disappointed Greg said he had actually played well but just lacked the edge to win the big points, lack of preparation contributing to the loss. Greg also said he has a very sore right arm, just above the elbow, which was affecting his serve.
Unable to enter the doubles, due to being in the finals Aptos, Greg will be able to give the sore arm some rest and now travels to Canada for the next tournament, starting on Monday.
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