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.