Japan 2014 - Yokohama #2

Yokohama courts

 Better weather greeted Greg for his second round match in Yokohama, after early showers delayed the days play for half an hour. His opponent was 24 year-old Chinese Ze Zhang, who had knocked off the No.5 seed Sugita in a quick-fire straight sets win. Currently ranked 191, with a sub 150 high rank last year of 148, Zhang will be a stern test for Greg in his continuing come-back from injury.
Serving first Greg held serve and then immediately had Zhang in trouble in the next game but unfortunately could not convert the opportunity and Zhang levelled at 1-1. Zhang then had Greg in trouble at 15-40 and broke Greg to lead 2-1, then 3-1. He was on a roll after a nervy start and broke Greg again to lead 4-1, then 5-1. Greg was not serving at his best and was again broken to lose a quick first set 1-6.

Courtside concessions

Zhang had the bit between his teeth and with the first set safely won, held serve and then broke Greg's serve for the fourth consecutive time, to lead 2-0. Greg did not give up though and put the pressure on Zhang, bringing up break points on Zhang's serve and this time converting the opportunity to get back the break. He then held serve to love, broke Zhang again to love, then held serve again to love, winning 14 of fifteen points in a purple patch to pocket four games and lead the second set 4-2. Zhang responded and held serve, then got Greg to deuce but could go no further, games going to 5-4 with Greg serving for the set. In another close game Greg held firm and won the set 6-4, levelling the match at one set all. Greg had served well, at over 65% during the set and had reaped the reward
In the third set Zhang had the advantage of serving first and took full advantage after hodling his own serve, attacking Greg's serve. Greg's first serve percentage was over 60% again, but this set he won less than 50% of those points, Zhang again breaking Greg multiple times to go 5-1 up, serving out the set and winning the match over a disappointed Greg 6-1, 4-6, 6-1.
Greg said he had not served as well as yesterday and that the fast courts had him half a step off the pace, something he will have to work on in the off-season. he had played well in patches but could not maintain the intensity throughout the match. A lost opportunity as the seeds in his quarter had both been beaten in the first round.