Asia-America Tour #4

Greg's next stop after Bangkok was Tokyo in Japan where he anxiously awaited whether he had made the cut for the qualifying for the ATP500 tournament. After being the 4th alternate he got the news that he was in following some withdrawals, so was happy to be competing. His first round opponent was the formidable giant Michael Berrer. The 31 year-old German was a late bloomer in the game and, after many years, hit the top 100 four years ago and is now a regular top 100 player, currently ranked 87 with a high ranking of 42.

Greg, serving first, over-pressed and had two double faults in the first game, losing his serve and quickly going a break-down. Berrer held confidently and then Greg held to love, games going to 1-3 in Berrer's favour, when Greg was forced to save a break-point before holding serve. At 3-5 Berrer forced Greg to 03-30 but Greg recovered to 30-30 but was unable to prevent Berrer winning the next two point and the set 6-3. Berrer had served an almost perfect set, only losing 1 point on his serve to Greg.

In the second Set Greg quickly put the loss of the first set behind him and got Berrer to 30-40, converting the opportunity, breaking Berrer completely against the run of play to lead 1-0 then 2-0. With Berrer serving well and Greg struggling with his serve but managing to win his service games, games then went with serve to 5-4, with Greg serving for the set, which he did, ending the set on an ace. Greg had served below 40% for most of the set but, having broken Berrer in the first games, had played the points well to hold on and win the set 6-4.

Michael Berrer



In the final set, Berrer had the advantage of serving first. Serve dominated the first 5 games but at 3-2 up,  Berrer was able to pressure Greg, who was serving the last game with the old balls, and broke Greg, to lead 4-2. With the new balls the 6'4" Berrer served five first serves to win the game to 15 and lead 5-2. Greg was not able to hold back the rampant German going down 0-40. Greg saved one match point before Berrer prevailed, wining the set 6-2, and the match 6-3, 4-6, 6-2.

Greg had not served at his best, whilst Berrer had served well, that most probably being the telling point of the match. Greg will train for a few days in Tokyo before heading to California for the $100k Tiburon Challenger starting next Monday.