Aussie Summer 2015-16 #5

The second round of the Toyota Challenger saw Greg up against one of the local Japanese players, 26 year old Sho Katayama, who Greg had last played in the final of a Group 2 ITF Junior tournament in Thailand nine years ago. On that occasion, in a match which Greg says the score-line did not reflect the play, Greg gave poor Sho a touch-up, winning the title 6-0, 6-0. Currently ranked 970 I'm sure it will be a different story this time around, although I am sure Greg will be the favourite against the wild card recipient.
Serving first Greg had an extremely poor first serve percentage at the start of the match but however, did well enough with the second serve to hold, against Katayama, the who by comparison was serving in the 67% region and holding serve with ease. Games went to 5-5, with Greg unable to make any roads into Katayama's serve. Katayama then forced Greg to save two break points at 15-40, which he did. Then Katayama hit another superb lob as Greg approached the net, to bring up another break point. He then absolutely teed off a good first of Greg, hitting an amazing cross-court back-hand winner, which Greg had no chance of getting, to break Greg and serve for the set at 6-5. Greg forced him to deuce but Katayama was able to hold to win the first set 7-5.
The second set followed much the same pattern, Greg starting poorly again on serve but quickly improving through the games. Then at 3-2 up Greg had a medical time our to get his left leg taped by the physio. He had not appeared to have a problem, but thereafter dis struggle to move towards his left side. Nonetheless he continued, improving his serving and his shit making as the set progressed.
In one game he hit a clean forehand winner, two aces and a neat little drop shot to wrap up the game in under a minute. Unfortunately he could not do that every game. At 3-3 Greg was forced to save a two break points. Then at 4-3 Greg up a mammoth game ensued with Greg having Katayama also save two break points, with 5 deuces in the game, but Greg was unable to break. Games then went with serve to the tie-break.
In the tie-break, Katayama broke Greg 1st point and then went out to a 3-0 lead. Greg was unable to break back, and Katayama broke again, getting to 6-3 up, serving for the match with 3 match points. Greg played two great points to win both of Katayama's serves and take the score to 6-5. On his won serve he played a perfect point, taking Katayama out wide and having an easy volley into an open court covered, only to see the ball clip the net tape and bounce over his racket. A cruel end to the match, with Katayama eventually getting his revenge on Greg, winning a close match 7-5, 7-6(5).
Greg said that his knee was ok, and that being the last major tournament of the year for him should not be a problem. He thought he had played well overall but was not helped by getting free points off his 1st serve, which was not firing at times. He was annoyed that he had got though a difficult first round only to go down to a lesser ranked opposition in the second round, but such is tennis and something he must work on eliminating from his tennis. He will return to Melbourne and represent Kooyong Tennis Club in the Australian Tennis League and then work on his game, serve, fitness and movement to prepare for next year, of course hoping to stay injury free.

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #4

Greg arrived in Japan refreshed and keen to play competitive tennis again, travelling for three hours by fast train from Tokyo to Toyota, with two days to prepare and get used to the slick, fast indoor courts, always a feature of playing late in the year in Japan, and a decided advantage to the Japanese players, who are used to the surface. The draw was not good news for Greg: he had drawn the No.1 seed, 27 year-old Matt Ebden, who was in good form having battled his way back to the cusp of being top 100 again, currently ranked 103 in the ATP and hoping to improve on that to gain certainty of direct entry into the Australian Open. No doubt a match Matt would want to win, just as much as Greg did. It was going to be an interesting match.
Greg led off the serving, and on the fast courts held easily. He then had Ebden go to deuce but could not get a break point, games going to 2-2. Then at 30-30 Greg made a meal of an straight forward volley and then left a volley that dropped in, to hand a break of serve to Ebden, who then held to lead 4-2. Greg fought back though, much to Ebden's annoyance, breaking back to level at 4-4, celebrating with a fist pump, then taking the lead 5-4, then 6-5. But Ebden held serve to take the first set to the tie-break.

Matt Ebden

In the tie-break Greg got the first break, going 2-1 up, then holding serve to lead 4-1. He broke Ebden again to lead 5-1, with a double break. Ebden then appeared to be limping and handed the next two points and the tie-break to Greg 7-1 and the set 7-6.
Then during the set break Ebden took a Medical Time Out, getting some treatment for a leg ailment. Ebden started the second set confidently, holding serve to love. But he was stretching his legs and doing squats to test his leg. Greg held serve then crafted two break-points on a slower moving Ebden, but Ebden slapped some serves and forehands, landing them to get back to deuce and hold serve. Greg held comfortably as did Ebden, the score going to 3-2 in Ebden's favour, whereupon Ebden walked to the net to shake Greg's hand and retire from the match, giving Greg the victory 7-6(1), 2-3.
A surprising result for Greg and vindication of his decision to travel to Toyota, having earned a much needed 5 points, with potentially more to come in the next round. Greg was delighted with the result. He was unsure whether Ebden had carried an injury into the match, or if not, when he had incurred the injury. Ebden only showed signs of any injury when he went down 5-1 in the tie-break, appearing comfortable before that, but one will never know what happened.

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #3

Following the Canberra Challenger tournament Greg decided he needed more training and fitness before committing to playing further tournaments. He arranged to be based at home in Sydney to be able to team up with Matt Barton, who is also from the Northern Beaches, and to train at Homebush Tennis Centre, with the help of Australian Davis Cup coach Wally Masur and NSW coach Dave Moore. They had an excellent start to the week but unfortunately on the Wednesday Greg awoke to a stiff and very sore left elbow. He was unable to train and once again had the tedious routine of rest and recovery. As a result he was unable to play in either of the ITF tournament in Wollongong, nor in the first or second Challenger tournaments in Japan.
After about a 10 day lay-off he was back on the courts, training his butt off with Barton. Then he faced an agonising decision - was he well enough prepared and fit enough to incur the expense of travelling to Toyota in Japan for the last Challenger Tournament of the year, on the off-chance of getting a decent draw. Or should he stay in Sydney and continue training and hitting and getting first rate coaching, as he was in a good cycle and presenting injury free and fit for the first time in a long time. He needed the points, as he was now unranked with no points, having lot his hard earned points garnered last year due to the string of injuries this year and he did not want to start the New Year unranked. His protected ranking also expired in December, making the points even more critical. Greg discussed the matter with the coaches and Masur advised him that from what he had seen he was fit enough and striking the ball well enough to compete at Challenger level. All good advice but if he copped a high seed first round, maybe he was not at top 100-150 level just yet?

Greg agonised, weighing up the permutations, then backed by his family, decided to roll the dice, travel to Japan and see how it played out. At worst, if he lost first round, he would be able to get back from Japan, a few dollars poorer, but with time to get back to Melbourne and represent Kooyong Tennis Club in the ATL competition. At best he wins his first round and gets the points needed to compete in ITF competition next year, or progresses even further in the tournament.

Now for a favourable draw... and some good tennis by a hopefully injury free Jonesie.

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #2

The good news from the previous week’s match loss in Traralgon was that other from some normal post match stiffness Greg showed no signs of his litany of injuries, and was good to go for this week’s Challenger tournament in Canberra. Again the draw Gods were not kind, tossing up the No. 4 seed, old adversary and peer Brydan Klein, from Perth but now playing under the British flag. 26 year-old Klein had had his own issue over the years, with both behaviour and injury, but was this year enjoying a resurgence, attaining a high ranking of 169 in September, and currently ranked 178. A similar prospect to last week’s opponent, it was going to be another interesting challenge for Greg to test his level of tennis and match fitness.
Looking a lot trimmer than previously this year, Greg got off to a good start, holding serve easily in the first few games, but Klein was serving equally as well and led 4-3 at the change of balls. Serving with the new balls, Greg over-hit a few first serves, made a few errors and then quickly found himself staring down the barrel of a break-point. He was unable to defend it and Klein had a decisive break, serving for the set at 5-3, holding serve to snare the first set 6-3.

GB's Brydan Klein

The second set started inauspiciously for Greg, with a double fault getting him into difficulty in the first game, offering up three break-points to Klein at 0-40. Greg saved two of the break points before Klein succeeded in breaking Greg, to take control of the match, a set and a break up. A mammoth game at 1-3 down saw Greg go to deuce four times, saving break points and missing out on game points before Klein again prevailed, to take a stranglehold on the set at 4-1 and then go on to win the second set 6-2, and the match 6-3, 6-2.
Greg was pleased with his early performance but still has work to do on achieving match fitness, not surprising seeing how little tennis he has played over the last two years. He is able to match the better players’ tennis, his serving and groundstrokes, combined with some good play at the net, keeping him competitive at this level.
Greg is mulling over his options in the last three weeks of pro tennis this year, with Challenger tournaments in Japan or Futures tournaments in Wollongong or just working on his fitness and game until the new year.

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #1

It was about seven weeks ago that a disconsolate Greg returned to Melbourne from the USA, struggling with an inflamed right elbow and his continuing struggle with other ailments. He convalesced for a few weeks, allowing his body even more time to repair, then commenced with a slow build-up of training and fitness. He had planned to play a Futures tournament last well but decided to defer on the side of caution, as he was suffering from a bad cold, which had hindered his preparation. Now was the time to test his body, his fitness and his game in real match conditions. So off to Traralgon, 150km east of Melbourne, he went for this week's Challenger tournament, with no great expectations.
The "draw gods" were not kind to Greg and on a cool windy morning, typical weather for Traralgon, he faced up against the No. 2 seed, fellow Sydneysider Jordan Thomspon, currently at a ranking high of 164. Thompson was a finalist in the previous Challenger he had played in in Asia, so was in good form. A stern test for Greg in his first match back indeed.
Serving first, a bit rusty after little match practise this year, Greg was immediately under pressure to hold serve, but he did just enough to hold. He was unable to make any inroads into Thompson's serve, games going with serve to 4-4. Greg then wavered a bit, two wayward forehands presenting Thompson the opportunity to break, which he did, going ahead 5-4 and serving for the set. At 40-15 up it looked like Thompson's set but two good returns saw Greg save the set point and level at deuce, then break, to square the set at 5-5.

Jordan Thompson

Both players held serve to get to 6-6 and the tie-break. Greg had some early opportunities but two shots hitting the tale denied him the lead and it was Thompson who went ahead, leading 5-2. Greg held his serve to close the gap to 5-4. Thompson had set point on his serve at 6-4 but Greg fought back, breaking and holding serve to swap ends at 6-6. Both players then each had set points as the serves alternated. Greg needed some luck to snatch the set but had none, and it was Thompson who got the decisive break to win the tie-break 15-13 and snare the first set 7-6.
Having lost such a long and close set Greg started assessing how his body was handling the intensity and demands on his first match back. His previous long three set match, which he lost 7-6 at the death, and switch saw him out of tennis for a further two was foremost in his mind. And whilst he was distracted Thompson was straight into winning the second set, holding serve, breaking Greg and holding again to lead 3-0. Greg rallied to hold for 3-1 but Thompson had the momentum and confidently held serve, then breaking Greg again before serving out the set 6-1.
Greg was not happy about losing the set but was buoyed by his performance in the first set, having stayed with a player in form and almost winning the set, but for some luck. He was wary of pushing himself too hard in the second set after the rigours of the first set and Thompson was able to capitalise, get on a roll and run away with the second set.
Greg said his body, whilst a bit stiff and tired, seems to be ok, but wanted to give it a few days before judging if all was ok to push harder with his training. He is, at this stage, planning to play in next week's Challenger tournament in Canberra.

Off Again 2015 #2 - Calgary... and beyond

It's been almost three weeks since Greg played that epic three set match against South African Fritz Wolmarans, unfortunately losing 76 in the 3rd set. The good thing is that his troubled back felt good during and after the match and the rest of his body, including his serving shoulder, although a bit stiff, felt good the next morning. However, the second morning after the match Greg awoke with a very sore right elbow, which he could hardly move. He initially thought it was just stiffness from the long first match back at full match pace and hoped that the elbow would improve each day before the next tournament.
He travelled to Calgary for the next Futures event and requested a Wednesday match to give his elbow as much time as possible to recover. As (bad) luck would have it Greg drew the No.1 seed (Canadian Philip Bester) and the tournament officials were happy to schedule the match for Wednesday evening, hoping for another epic night match for the spectators. But it never happened - Greg was forced to forfeit the match, giving Bester a walkover in the first round, as Greg was unable to hit at full pace and his elbow was still sore and stiff from strained ligaments.
Greg then travelled to New York to catch a bit of the US Open play and seek further medical help and advice from the ATP physios and medical staff, with regard to his elbow and ongoing treatment.
Hopefully Greg will be back in action after a few more weeks rest and rehabilitation.

Off Again 2015 #1 - Winnipeg Futures

After the tournament in Binghampton where Greg had a re-ocurrence of the back pain that troubled him this year, Greg elected to take a few weeks off. Not wanting to aggravate the problem his plan was to let the condition repair naturally and then slowly build into training again, and try to further strengthen his back  in the appropriate area. He based himself in Venice Beach, LA and along with good mate Greg Oullette, they trained and hit together for three weeks, working on skills and fitness.

Winnipeg Lawn tennis Club

Finally, after four or so weeks since he last played, he headed to the futures tournament in Winnipeg, Canada to play again and test his body and fitness in competition.
His first round opponent was the No.7 seed 29 year-old South African Fritz Wolmarans, currently ranked 535, with a high rank of 198 in 2011. Greg and Fritz, wh0 is also a big server and has also had his injury problems over the years, have played against each other over the years, with Greg ahead 2-1, having won their last encounter in three sets in 2013.
The first match on in the first round, as the feature evening match, it was a nervous start for Greg who lost his opening serve. He then did well to break back and level the score at 2-2, but in his next service game served two double faults in getting broken again, for Wolmarans to lead 3-2, then 4-2. With Wolmarans serving well Greg was unable to recover losing the first set 6-4.


Fritz Wolmarans

Greg started the second set well, holding to love then breaking Wolmarans, then holding serve again to lead 3-0. This time it was Greg who was able to keep Wolmarans at bay, serving out the set with an ace to level the match at one set all, with a 6-3 scoreline.Tiring slightly, it was Wolmarans who an ace to level the match at one set all, with a 6-3 score line.With Greg tiring slightly, it was Wolmarans who was holding serve easier, but Greg hung in well to get the score to 4-4. Wolmarans held to lead 5-4 and put the pressure on Greg to hold serve to stay in the match. He pressurised Greg, bringing up break point/match point. But Greg responded, saving match point and holding serve to level at 5-5.
Then the lights went out. Literally. And the court, players and spectators were in the dark and all they could do was sit down, turn the lights back on and wait for the lights to warm up. Greg tried to keep himself warm, but it was a tough ask first match back, both players muscles feeling the effects of the two hours plus play which had passed. Wolmarans, first out to serve after a 25 minute delay, did well to hold serve, as did Greg, who took the third set to the tie-break at 6-6.


End of a tough long match

In the tie-break it was the match hardened veteran Wolmarans who got the early break to lead 2-1. Greg immediately broke back but Wolmarans was the better performer at the end, breaking Greg twice in succession to go 5-2 up, then serve out the tie-break 7-2, to deny Greg a win in his first match back, winning the match 6-4, 3-6, 7-6(2).It was a tough loss for Greg who had performed well but had not been able to match his opponent at the death. Greg was pleased with his play and his attitude, holding it all together, even when the lights went out, but said he needs to improve his second serve (8 double faults) and his returning. He said the lights were not the best for an evening match and both players struggled returning in the twilight and then later in the night, after the lights came back on. The good news though is that his back felt good, only feeling the normal effects of stiffness the next day.
Greg is entered in the Futures tournament in Calgary next week, but may have to go through qualifying as he is still listed as two out of the draw at the moment.

Time to Start Again #6

After his first round loss in Binghamton, Greg travelled to New York city to catch up with a friend for a few days, working on his fitness at the New York Athletic Club. He had not made the cut-off for the Lexington Challenger, so was deciding between playing qualifying for that tournament or for the ATP250 Atlanta tournament. In the end he chose to go to Lexington, deciding he may not make the qualifying draw cut in Atlanta and that his chances of qualifying would be better in Lexington. He also had accommodation in Lexington with a family he really liked, so off to Lexington he flew.

It was whilst sitting on the plane that Greg's back started feeling stiff and sore again. Then again having a hit before the tournament Greg said his back felt the same as it did when he first he hurt it, So it was with much trepidation that Greg took to the court for his first round qualifying.

Nathan Pasha 

The draw was sort of kind to him, as he avoided a seed first round but if he won would be up against the No.1 seed. All to play for though, with all matches winnable. His opponent, 23 year-old American Nathan Pasha, had been the No.2 player at Georgia, and is currently ranked 1323 in the ATP singles. Greg said he was really restricted in movement, especially on serve and it showed in the score-line, as Pasha broke him twice in winning the first set 6-1.

Georgia Bulldog Nathan Pasha 

Greg was able to move a little more freely as the match progressed and he reversed an early break of serve to stay in the set. Pasha though had the bit between his teeth, serving at a remarkable 82%, to deny Greg any further break opportunities. He then broke Greg a second time in the set, to go on and clinch the set 6-4, winning the match 61, 6-4.
Greg was distraught, not just from another loss but from the stiffness and soreness in his back. He is going to have a rest for a day or two now and will re-asses the situation and try to formulate a plan of action, depending on how his back feels.
Two steps forward, and one
step (or more) back... 

Time to Start Again #5

Greg decided to stay in Newport for the week, as he was offered accommodation in the mansion he had stayed in during qualifying, and there were plenty of players with whom he could train with each day, not on grass but on hard court, at a venue across the road from the Hall of Fame Centre.
His next tournament was the Binghamton Challenger and Greg had made the main draw cut-off, courtesy of his protected ranking. He decided it would be best to drive from Newport to Binghamton and arranged to share a hire car with Bryden Klein and his girlfriend and Ante Pavic. Greg did the driving and although it was a six hour trip, it was far less hectic than catching two different planes, with baggage hassles and of course was far more cost effective.

USA's Bjorn Fratangelo

They arrived in Binghamton with plenty of time to practise and were only due to play on Tuesday. Rain disrupted the early matches and Greg's match was pushed back a couple of hours to late afternoon. His opponent for the first round match was the No.2 seed, rising USA player, 22 year-old Bjorn Fratangelo, who represented the USA at the 2009 Junior Davis Cup finals, currently ranked 125, near his high ranking. A tough match for Greg but a good litmus test of his progress since he started his come-back after injury.

Greg serve and volleying

Serving first, Greg started confidently, with a good first serve percentage, facing and saving only one break point opportunity in getting to 5-5. He was unable to put much pressure on Fratangelo's serve and could not create any opportunities to break him along the way. In the eleventh game of that first set, Fratangelo came out firing, winning the first two points to put the pressure on Greg. Greg responded, winning tne next three points to get to 40-30 but he could not get the game point. Fratangelo got to deuce and then brought up break point, converting to break Greg and go 6-5 up, competently serving out the set 7-5.

Greg's double handed back hand

Fratangelo continued to apply the pressure on Greg, returning well to win 5 of 7 first serves Greg threw down in the first game of the second set, breaking Greg again to lead 1-0. Then unexpectedly, Fratangelo's serve wavered. Greg started reading it better and returned well, breaking back immediately to level at 1-1, then serving well, winning 4 games in a row, breaking Fratangelo again, to lead 4-1. He broke Fratangelo again at the end of the set, to win the set 6-2. A great turn around of events, with the score locked at one set all.
Unfortunately Greg's months of inactivity the took its toll in the third set. Fratangelo broke at 1-1, held serve easily then broke again at 3-1 to lead 4-1, then 5-1. Greg rallied to get to 5-2 but the damage was done and Fratangelo served out the set 6-2, to win a hard fought, hard hitting entertaining match 7-5, 2-6, 6-2.

Fratangelo gets airborne on a forehand

Whilst disappointed in the last set Greg was buoyed by his performance. He had served well, landing an winning a high percentage of first serve and returning better as the match progressed. His second serve was not firing as well as he would have liked, resulting in 10 double faults. He had matched it with a top ranked player for two sets, only fading at the death. Still a lot of work to be done, Greg will knuckle down and concentrate on improving his fitness and work on his second serve.
Footnote: Frantangelo made the final, losing to the No.1 seed, GBR's Kyle Edmund.

Time to Start Again #4

Next on the schedule for Greg in his come-back from a long period of multiple injuries, over eighteen months of time-off and rehabilitation, with a small period of competition mid to end last year, was a real challenge, playing qualifying for the Tennis Hall of Fame ATP250 grass court tournament at Newport, Rhode Island. Whilst ambitious given his relevant lack of match practise, and not having played on grass for two seasons, he wanted to go to Newport to catch-up with his old coach Todd Martin, who was now director of the Tennis Hall of Fame, and to re-inflame his tennis juices by experiencing the atmosphere of top level tennis.

Greg again received a favourable draw, avoiding a seeded player. His opponent was Ryan Haviland, a 34 year-old veteran with a current ranking of 985, and a career high ranking of 516 achieved when much younger in March 2004. It was a match Greg would have relished two year ago but today his lack of grass court play showed at the outset. His serving did not help either, below 40% as he was broken early, as he struggled to 3-5 in the first set. The points went by quickly on the grass court surface and he was not able to build into a rhythm, hardly troubling Haviland on serve. He was then broken again for Haviland to win the first set 6-3.

Ryan Haviland

Greg improved on his return game in the second set, and managed to break Haviland early to lead 2-1, only to immediately get broken back, for Haviland to level at 2-2. But this time Greg was in the groove and despite Haviland having the better stats for the set, managed to win the next four games, breaking Haviland twice in a row to pouch the second set 6-2.
Greg had the momentum and should have continued to dominate but Haviland steadied and raised his service game, as did Greg increase his service percentages, games going with serve with no break-point opportunities to 4-3, Haviland  leading on serve. Unfortunately right there Greg's concentration and first serve wavered with the pressure of serving second at the pointy end of the match, and Haviland forced him to 0-40 and converted the break opportunity to lead 5-3.


The green grass courts at Newport

Serving for the set Haviland himself wobbled and Greg managed to get him to 15-40, but unfortunately two good points from Haviland saw him save the break-points and then win the game, to win the set 6-3 and a quick but hard fought match 6-3, 2-6, 6-3.A disappointing end to a mixed match from Greg. He had grown in confidence and worked his way back into the match but was not able to sustain the pressure at the end of the match, but that is something that will change as he plays more matches. Next stop most probably will be the Binghampton Challenger, if Greg manages to get into the main draw with his protected ranking.

Time to start again #3

28 year-old Alex Kuznetsov

Playing with American Alex Kuznetsov, in the doubles at Winnetka, Greg and Alex received a favourable draw, up against youngster Mackenzie MacDonald and peer Nicolas Meister, both from the USA. With both opponents achieving good results in singles, it was not going to be a easy match to win.

Nicolas Meister

Greg and Alex got off to a confident start and dominated the first set, breaking serve early, holding serve well and then breaking again to lead 5-1. They however allowed their opponents to get back in the set, to break back and then gain in confidence after a couple of service games, getting broken again for the set to be levelled at 5-5, then go 6-5 down, on serve. Greg and Alex rallied to take the set into the tie-break at 6-6. They changed ends at 3-3 after swopping mini-breaks, then managed to skip away to win the tie-break 7-4 and take a 1-0 lead in sets.

Mackenzie MacDonald

Unfortunately for Greg and Alex, getting back into the match had seen their American opponents grow in confidence and they had Greg and Alex on the back foot, breaking three time in a row to lead 5-0. Greg and Alex tried to respond and broke back to get on the board at 1-5, but it was too little as the got broken again to lose the second set 1-6, and go to the match tie-break (first to 10) to decide the match.
In the match tie-break, mini-breaks were swopped twice in getting to 3-4 in favour of the opponents. From there the Americans skipped away and Greg and Alex lost the match tie-break 5-10, to lose the match and be bundled out of the tournament.
Not as much match practise as Greg had hoped for, but again his body had stood up to the rigours of playing, albeit in a doubles match. Next on his agenda is the qualifying for the Hall of Fame ATP250 event in Newport.
 

Time to start again #2

Greg remained in Kelowna, Canada, practising with fellow Aussies Matt Reid and Harry Bouchier, who also lost early in the tournament, whilst sweating on whether he would get into the main draw of the Challenger to be held in Winnetka, Chicago. Greg was far out of the draw at the start of the week but due to main draw accepted players doing well at Wimbledon and thus withdrawing, he moved up the alternate list rapidly and by Friday remained just 1 player out of the main draw. Two other players, Kudla and Nielsen did withdraw but unfortunately they withdrew too late for Greg to move up into the main draw, and he was consigned to play in qualifying. The two highest ranked players in the qualifying draw, based on the latest rankings and not on the acceptance list, then moved up because of those late withdrawals. Bad luck for Greg.



20 year-old Sam Shropshire

In the first round of qualifying, Greg received a good draw, avoiding a seeded player. He was up against a local young American wild card Samuel Shropshire, of nearby Evanston's Northwestern University, ranked 1598. First match up, Shropshire was ready to take on the challenge of playing Greg from the get-go. Greg was forced on to the back foot and was making numerous unforced errors, talking to himself throughout the match. Shropshire won the first set 6-2 but Greg got himself back into the match, saving four break points in the second set, to deny Shropshire any advantage and converting one of two break points on Shropshires serve, to edge out the young American and win the second set 6-3, to level the match.Unfortunately Greg could not maintain the pressure, his lack of matches in the past eight months counting against him in the third set. He was unable to convert the break point opportunity and saved two break points on his own serve but he could not save a third, and Shropshire ran out the winner, winning the third set 6-3, and the match 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.

 Greg said he played ok in patches but had struggled to keep the ball in and was not getting the free points from his first serve, his first serve percentage just a touch over 50%. Greg will continue to concebtrate on getting his fitness levels up and attempt to get more match court time by playing in the doubles with American Alex Kuznetsov.

Time to Start Again #1

The last time Greg played a professional tennis match was way back in November 2014. Since then it has been a battle to shake a debilitating back injury, which has derailed his career, hopefully only temporary. He had attempted to play along the way, playing with pain, but it was counter-productive and his back was never going to heal. It appeared to be getting better only to each time break down and become extremely painful when put under the stress of serving at full pace and spin. Much physiotherapy, rest and strengthening exercises was had and done, but in the end only a radical procedure involving a type of epidural to cut the pain cycle was of help. After the procedure Greg was inactive for a few weeks, then gradually got back into physical exercise and training, eventually commencing serving after some six weeks of training.
And now he is in the Americas, to play some tournaments to ascertain whether his back will stand up to the rigours of full-time competitive tennis, this week in Canada for a $15k Futures event in Kelowna in British Columbia. He had a favourable draw, up against 30 year-old American Matt Seeberger, who has only been playing competitively on the circuit for about three years, currently concentrating on doubles, with a singles ranking of 1375 and a doubles ranking of 250.
Greg said it was fairly warm and the courts were quick. Seeberger was taking big cuts at the ball, with a hit-or-miss attitude, and it was difficult for Greg to get any rhythm, with short points and quick games. In the end there was just a break difference in each set, unfortunately against Greg, who lost 6-4, 6-4. Greg had his opportunities, unable to convert two break-back points at 3-5 in the first set and a break opportunity mid-way through the second set. Not yet match hardened, Greg said his intensity ebbed and waned and that just one bad game in the second set made the difference.
On the positive side he said he had no problems, or even a hint of pain, from his troublesome back. He does have some aches and pains in his body and some fatigue in his shoulder but that is to be expected after his first match in seven months. It is baby steps at the moment while he slowly builds back into the professional game

Injury Rehabilitation Update

Over two months have passed since Greg last hit a ball with serious intent a tennis match, in an ATL finals match at Melbourne Park during the Australian Open in late January, and over four months since he played in an ATP or ITF match, and it is still not certain when he will return to competitive tennis, with his ailing back still not responding to the extensive rehabilitation and physio he is undertaking..
The two matched Greg played in the ATL finals showed how unprepared he was then, and how his mobility had been impaired from the forced layoff he had. He only played in the ATL finals as his team were struggling with injuries and player's unavailable due to the Open. He was patently underprepared and was unable to move effectively in his match against Matt Barton, reflected in the woeful 0-4, 0-4 loss. Greg did loosen up and move better the following day in his match against the Pacific Oceania's Cyril Jacobe, where he struggled to a 4-0, 4-3 win, but he was still well below par.
Greg has since been doing rehab and strengthening work on his back, intermingled with fitness and light hitting sessions, and his back has improved tremendously to the extent that he does not have any pain or restriction on movement in a normal day to day sense, or even when hitting lightly in a short sessions. However when he loads up his back and puts his body under stress for more than a set of tennis he still gets pain and is then restricted on serve, and has stiffness in his back the next day. He has had advice from doctors and specialist physios and is working to further strengthen muscles around his troublesome spine, at the same time working with a trainer on a limited basis to maintain and improve his fitness, whilst not putting undue stress on his back. He recently had a 10 day break from all tennis and fitness training, after his back pain flared up again after some hitting sessions with Lleyton Hewitt prior to the Davis Cup tie. Greg said he was playing well but he could not sustain the level of intensity beyond a set.
Greg has organised a new program for his rehabilitation from a different physiotherapist, who has been working with other tennis players with back problems, and has recommenced his rehabilitation, with the focus on recovery and strengthening and taking it slowly with regards to hitting, slowly building his sessions and intensity. It is a matter of perseverance and patience, and he is approaching his rehabilitation sensibly and stoicly, but his patience is wearing thin.
Wish him luck...