Back in Oz - Trarlagon Challenger 1 #4

Action in Traralgon at the courts

With the wind still blowing at between 40-50kph in the late afternoon Greg took to the court for his first round singles match at Traralgon, up against fellow Aussie and good friend Matt Reid. They have known each other since Greg was 11 years old and had dined together the night before, reminiscing over old times and junior days, blissfully unaware they were to play each other the next day as Greg was still to qualify.

It was a slow start in the wind for Greg, going down 15-40 facing two break point in the first game. He saved those two then, in a massive 18 point game saved another three break points before Reid eventually broke Greg, to lead 1-0. Reid held serve, then again forced Greg to 15-40. Greg got it back to deuce but could not stop Reid on the next break point from going a double break up to lead 3-0. Greg hit back, breaking Matt to get on the score-board and reduce the deficit to 1-3, the held serve for 2-3. But he could not make anymore in-roads on Reid's serve, as the wind was slowly lessening in intensity and both players produced a few aces, games going with serve and Reid serving out the set 6-4.

Matt Reid pictured at Bernie in February

Both players started the second set well and games went with serve to 3-2 in Greg's favour. Greg then had an opportunity at 30-40 on Reid's serve, and converting to go a break-up. Reid was not phased and broke back immediately to get to 3-4, only to have repeat the break on him, and have the opportunity to serve for the set at 5-3. Reid was not done and in the fourth break in a row, a factor of the wind and nerves on two players whose serves normally dominate. In a topsy-turvey set Greg then broke Reid again, to pouch the second set 6-4, and level the match at one set all.

Greg trying to master the wind on his forehand

In fading light, with the wind a lot lighter but still gusty, Greg got the third set off to a good start, holding serve and then breaking Reid again to lead 2-0. He held serve for 3-0, then had Reid facing another break-point to potentially go a double break up. But Reid rose to the challenge saving and holding serve to get the score to 1-3. With light fading fast the match was suspended, to be completed the next day.
A full day of tennis in the howling wind for Greg, with contrasting matches. He would have liked to have stayed on court to finish the match as he had the ascendency but said the light was bad and it was the correct decision to suspend play. So on to tomorrow with a nervous three service games to win to secure the match.