USA Tour 2011 #4

Into the main draw of the ATP250 event at Newport, Rhode Island as the last direct acceptance by virtue of a last minute withdrawal, Greg's luck did not extend to the the draw, receiving a tough first up challenge, facing last year's finalist and world No.73, 30 year-old Belgian Olivier Rochus. Very experienced, very consistent and very wily.

Rochus served first and had the advantage on the slick grass courts, holding serve well and forcing Greg to play catch-up. Only one breakpoint was brought up in the first set and unfortunately it was on Greg's serve and Greg was unable to save, giving Rochus the vital break in the set. Rochus then was able to serve out the 1st set 6-4.

Greg playing a backhand

Greg bounced back in the second set and, serving first this set, was able to reverse the pressure on Rochus and converted the only break point on Rochus' serve, while saving one on his own serve. Greg went on with the set, winning it 6-3, to level the score and take the match into the 3rd set.

With Rochus now serving first, Greg again felt the pressure of serving second. His serve percentage also dropped from the mid 60's to low 50's and Rochus was given a lo of second serves to look at, taking his opportunity converting 1 of 3 early opportunities, to go ahead a break, getting to 5-2 up.

Olivier Rochus at the net

At 2-5 down Greg got to deuce and then faced a match-point but saved that point. Rochus immediately brought up another match point but Greg was able to save again and then held serve for 3-5. Rochus served for the match and had two match point at 40-15. Greg saved the first but any come-back was halted on the next point and Rochus won the point and the match 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.

A great fight by Greg but he would have been bitterly disappointed in only his second ever match at ATP tour level. Well played Greg, a great effort.
Rochus reached the final for the 2nd year in a row, losing to big-serving John Isner.