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...