The first round of the Main Draw of the Farmer's Classic ATP250 tour event in Los Angeles saw qualifier Greg up against 28 year-old Alex Bogomolov. Born in Moscow but raised in America, Bogomolov is near his career high ranking of 63 achieved this month, so in good form. Greg and Bogomolov have met twice before at Challenger level, with Bogomolov a very close winner in both matches. So a mountain to climb for Greg who will be pumped for this match.
With Bogomolov serving first it was Greg who was in the zone, breaking Bogomolov and holding serve to go to a 2-0 lead. He repeated the dose, saving a break-point along the way, and had Bogomolov staring at a 0-4 deficit. In Bogomolov's next service game Greg again had break-point, to go a triple break up, but this time Bogomolov saved and closed out the game to get his name on the scoresheet.
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| Alex Bogomolov |
In the next game he again forced a break-point opportunity on Greg's serve and this time converted, putting the pressure back on Greg. Bogomolov held serve to close the score to 3-4. Greg rallied but again had to save a break-point in getting to 5-3. Serving for the set at 5-4 Greg had two set points and a break-point against him before he battled to close out the game and win the set on the 3rd set point, 6-4.
Bogomolov started the second set full of resolve and broke a tiring Greg, to go 2-0 up, then hold to go to 3-0. Greg rallied to save yet another break-point, for 1-3. Greg could not make in-roads into Bogomolov's serve, who was serving at 85% first serves in this set, and fell 1-4 behind. Bogomolov again got Greg to 15-40 and although Greg saved the first point, Bogomolov broke to go double break up at 5-1, serving out the 2nd set 6-1 and levelling the match.
It was rampant Bogomolov, with all the impetus, against a tiring Greg in the 3rd set and he broke Greg twice to go 4-0 up. Greg managed to win a game for 4-1 before Bogomolov served for 5-1 and then broke Greg again to win the 3rd set 6-1 and the match 4-6, 6-1, 6-1.
A mixed match for Greg who more than matched his experienced opponent at the start but was not able to cope with changes in Bogomolov's tactics, whilst tiring during the match. Greg said Bogomolov had started the match deep in the court but after Greg went well ahead Bogomolov stepped up in the court and started taking the ball a lot earlier to deny Greg time to play his shots and get to the net. Greg said he did get a bit tired from the end of the first set and was just that half metre slow and lost a bit of zing off his serve. He said he and Bogomolov are good friends and whilst chatting afterwards Bogomolov complimented him on his game and even offered him some advice on things to work on in his game.
A good week and a lot of experienced gained. Next stop Vancouver.
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