The first round of the singles in the Challenger tournament in Manta, Ecuador had Greg matched up against 24 year-old Argentinian Andres Molteni, currently ranked 308, with a high ranking similar to Greg of 181.
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| Centre Court at Manta |
Greg served first and, after holding serve with games going to 2-1, Greg quickly had Molteni defending his serve, getting the Argentinian to 0-40 and converted the break to lead 3-1, then 4-1.
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| View of Greg's Hotel on the beach |
At 5-3 Greg served for the set and confidently brought up two set points. But Molteni was not finished and combined with some nervous tennis by Greg, won the next three points to have Greg facing break-point. Greg dug deep and managed to save the point, heading off the challenge with some good first serves and winning the game, and the first set 6-3.
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| Argentinian Andres Molteni |
With Molteni serving first, games went with serve to 2-2. Greg then forced Molteni to 15-40. Molteni saved the first break-point oppotunity but Greg broke on the next point going 3-2 up, then serving confidently for a 4-2 lead. Molteni tried to break down Greg's serve but Greg held firm on the back of some good first serves and served for the match at 5-4. He served out the game to love, winning the match 6-3, 6-4 with a confident display.
Greg had served well, 61% first serves for the 1st set and 69% for the 2nd set, with a high conversion rate in the high 80 percent, with 8 aces and only one double fault. A good match by Greg.
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