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
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
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