Australian Summer 2012 #14

The second round of the Challenger tournament in Caloundra had Greg facing up against Australian tennis prodigy, 17 year-old South Australian Luke Saville, who boasts both the 2011 Junior Wimbledon and the Junior Australian 2012 singles title. Saville, who resembles Greg in both build and colouring, has not had much success on the Mens Futures circuit and his win in the 1st round here will help progress his rise up the ATP rankings from his current rank of 1168. Greg will be hoping to delay his rise any further.

Luke Saville at Wimbledon

Saville served first and held serve, and then had Greg, who was struggling with his serve, at 30-40. Greg managed to hold for 1-1, then immediately reversed fortunes by breaking Saville and, despite his service woes continuing, held serve get to 4-2 up. Greg then again broke Saville and served out the set 6-2. 

Luke at Caloundra



Greg again started the 2nd set serving at below 50%, whilst Saville was at a high 91% . Greg suddenly improved and started serving well above 80%, not allowing Saville a look-in on his serve. Midway through the set, at 3-all, Greg upped the intensity, breaking Saville to love and then holding serve to love, to lead 5-3. Greg again got Saville to 0-40 in the next game, and while Saville managed to save one match point, Greg prevailed, winning the set 6-3 and the match 6-2, 6-3.

Greg said his game had improved throughout the match. He only lost one point on his serve in the 2nd set and won over 60% of Saville's serve points, so dominated the set. He thought Saville still had to get to grips with the pace of the Men's game and needed to improve his court coverage and return of serve.

Greg has elected not to play doubles this week and has a welcome day's break from competition tomorrow, when he can get treatment for a knee tendon problem he has been nursing. He can also enjoy the benefits of the Sunshine Coast, sharing an apartment right on the beach in beautiful Caloundra, and spend some time on the beach and in the surf.