Back in the Saddle #5 - Roland Garros

Greg's French Open profile photo

Greg's first round match in the French Open qualifying was against veteran Czech player, 32 year-old Jan Hernych, currently ranked 187, with a high ranking of 59 in April 2009. With four previous Roland Garros Main draw appearances, 6'3" Hernych progressed to the 2nd round in his first appearance in 2005, so he will have plenty of experience to bring to the match but perhaps may be a step or two slower in his later years. Greg has played Hernych once prior, winning a three set match on hard court in 2011.

Court Suzanne Lenglen with Eiffel Tower in background

On a cold, overcast day, on the slow clay courts, Greg served first in the match and after a nervous deuce game held serve. He then forced Hernych to 30-40 and converted the early break-point opportunity to lead 2-0, then after another deuce game held serve to lead 3-0. Hernych got his name on the scoreboard but was not able to break Greg, who led 4-1. Greg then broke Hernych again to get a crucial double break up and serve for the set at 5-1, which he did with aplomb, winning the first set 6-1.

Czech Jan Hernych

With Hernych serving first in the 2nd set, Greg was keen to continue to apply the pressure and did so, breaking Hernych again to lead 1-0. The next service game was a mammoth struggle for Greg to consolidate the crucial 2nd set break, with Greg saving two break pointS in a 5 or more deuce game, to eventually hold and lead 2-0. They then both held serve to go to 3-1. Greg then broke Hernych gain to go a double break up at 4-1. But Hernych broke back to get to 2-4, then held for 3-4.
At this stage Greg had visions of his 1st round match in qualifying in 2010 when he led his match by a set and 4-2, then lost 10 games in a row to lose. Keen for history not to repeat, he dug deep and served well to go 5-3 up. Thne at 5-4, with Greg still the one break up, Greg served for the match, the toughest game of them all. With new balls Greg did superbly and won the game to love, winning the match 6-1, 6-4, to proceed to the second round of qualifying.
Greg said he had strung his racquet at 48lbs, due to the cold weather, for the first time in his career, and it had turned out ok, giving that little bit extra power on the slow courts.

Two more rounds to win to enter the Main Draw.
Go Greg...