Australian Summer 2012 - #2

The second round of the qualifying in the Brisbane International ATP 250 had Greg facing the toughest draw, up against the No.1 seed, experienced top 100 player, 25 year-old German Tobias Kamke. With a previous loss against former ATP Newcomer of the Year, Kamke is ranked 100 places better than Greg at 96, with a high ranking of 64 in January last year.

Not the court Greg played on

 Greg was quick out of the blocks holding serve and then forcing Kamke to deuce and bringing up a break-point opportunity. Unfortunately Kamke responded, denying Greg and holding serve. Two service games later with the score at 2-2, a poor service game with only one first serve saw Greg fall a break behind, 2-3 in games. Greg was unable to get the break-back and at 3-5 served to force Kamke to serve out the set. Kamke had other ideas and some good returns had him bring up two break-points, and this time set points. He converted at the first opportunity, winning the first set 6-3 and the right to serve first in the 2nd set.

Serves dominated the second set with both players serving at an astonishing 85% until the score was 3-3. With Kamke serving with new balls Greg then forced him to 30-40, the first break-point of the 2nd set but again Kamke was able to save and hold serve to lead 4-3. Greg had game point on his next serve but Kamke got him to deuce and then brought up a break-point, which he won gaining a 5-3 lead. 

Kamke playing against Greg

With Kamke serving for the match Greg was able to take advantage of some nerves on Kamke's behalf and forced Kamke to save a break-point. Greg then brought up another break-point but was again denied, Kamke holding serve to win the second set 6-3 and the match 6-3, 6-3.

An unfortunate draw for Greg who, although had not played at his best in the first set, had served and played very well in the second set. But Kamke had been his equal in that set and was a deserved winner in the end.

Link to a post match interview with Kamke: http://www.brisbaneinternational.com.au/2012/01/kamke-looking-forward-to-2012
Some good news is that Greg has received a Wild Card into the doubles with Marinko Matosevic and will most probably play the doubles first round match on Tuesday 3rd January.