USA Tour 2011 #7

In Atlanta, Georgia this weekend, Greg was competing in the qualifying rounds for entry into the ATP250 event. Seeded No.5 in the qualifying Greg had to win three rounds to progress. He received a favourable draw, having a Bye in the first round and then facing up against 25 year-old USA player Phillip Simmonds, currently 443, with a high ranking of 219.
The match did not start well for Greg and he went a break-down early in the set. He was able to bring up two break point opportunities but was unable to convert, Simmonds taking the set to 3-5 before he again got Greg under pressure and broke him again to win the first set 6-3.

Centre Court

Greg executed better in the 2nd set and was able to break Simmonds, only to see Simmonds break back to level the scores. Greg created 5 break-point opportunities in the 2nd set but was only able to convert the one opportunity, Simmonds playing the big points better. Greg faced a break point againgst him but saved, games going with serve to the tie-break a 6-6.

Phil Simmonds

In the tie-break it was Simmonds who gained the ascendency and forged ahead, Greg not being able to stop the momentum, with Simmonds running out a 7-2 winner, winning the match 6-3, 7-6.
A disappointing and frustrating loss for Greg, who had high hopes of qualifying. The stats were interesting in that Greg served well at 65% first serves but did not win enough of those serves. Simmonds service percentage was below 50, showing that he returned better than Greg and won the battle of the rallies. Greg also had more break-point opportunities.
Something for Greg to work on...
Simmonds went on to beat the No.4 seed Tim Smyczek and qualify for the main draw.