AO Wildcard Play-off - Update #2

Quarter-final of the AO Wild Card play-off had Greg matched up against the No.2 seed Marinko Matosevic, currently ranked 138 in the ATP. Greg was confident going into the match having lost narrowly to Matosevic in their last encounter and now fitter, having 'touched' Marinko up in a practise match earlier the week.
In the first set, with Matosevic serving first, both player's started strongly and Greg had a few half chances but could not convert them into real opportunities, games going with serve to 2-3. Marinko was starting to pick Greg's serve and forced Greg to break-point but Greg saved the point and levelled at 3-3. Again at 3-4 down Greg faced and saved break-point, getting to 4-4. Marinko held for 5-4 and then applied even more pressure on Greg, bringing up another break-point, this time set point. Greg saved one point but a weak forehand on game-point let Matosevic back in and he forced Greg to face another break-point. Unable to buy a first serve a long rally ensued and a back-hand nto the net saw Matosevic break and win the set 6-4.
Greg then had an injury time-out, rare for Greg, so obviously something was wrong. The callous below his right toe had stripped off and exposed the raw flesh below the toe. The physio repaired the damage as best he could and Greg came out firing. The break in play had cooled off a red hot Matosevic who then missed a few serves and with some good returns by Greg saw him have 3 break-point opportunities. Matosevic responded and three good first serves later the threat was nullified and he held for a 1-0 lead. Games went with serve to 2-2, with Greg saving two break-points along the way. In his next service game, at 2-3 down, he got to 40-15 and had a smash to close out the game but Matosevic guessed correctly and put in a miraculous lob to win the point. He then got to deuce and forced 3 set points. Greg saved 2 of them but could not save the 3rd and Matosevic had a decisive break, leading 4-2. He held comfortably for 5-2 and then forced Greg to match-point, converting at the 1st opportunity to win the match 6-4, 6-2.


Marinko wins WC play-off



Greg was bitterly disappointed and was annoyed by the injury, which he said happened in the 3rd game and slowed him down slightly. Matosevic had played and served well.

Greg will now have to get into the main draw of the Australian Open through the qualifying tournament.