Aussie Summer 2015-16 #6

After some success in Japan,  Greg  was keen to get into some intense training and hitting, but first he travelled to Yarrawonga in Northern Victoria to help his team from Kooyong Tennis Club secure victory in the ATL and a place in the finals at the Australian Open in January. They then contested and won their regional finals, beating the more fancied South Yarra team led by Luke Saville, the depth of the Kooyong team being a decisive factor, Greg only playing in the doubles.

Greg then came to Sydney to train with Matt Barton and others at Homebush with Wally Masur and Dave Moore. As the Australian summer of tennis ramped up, with the wild card play-off at Melbourne Park, Greg returned to Melbourne to train with the players and coaches involved in the play-off. His hard work is showing positive results, a much lighter and fitter Greg moving well and striking the ball well.

In order to get some match practise Greg entered his first Australian Money Tournament, the local Manly Seaside Tournament just down the road from his home in Manly. Seeded fifth, he cruised through his first match in the round if sixteen again veteran Jurek Stasiak 6-2, 6-1. However, the vagaries of the draw saw him matched up again the No.1 seed, training partner Matt Barton, in a match fitting of the final. Whoever won the match was destined to win the tournament, barring disaster. 

Unfortunately for Greg, Matt's booming first serve was on fire, Matt serving in the high 75-80% range and also using his booming forehand to get himself out of trouble, to maintain control through the match. Matt broke a Greg in his first service game, when in a flow start Greg failed to land s first serve, then twice saved break point opportunities, to deny Greg breaking back and winning the first set 6-3. 

Greg serving at Manly

Matt continued serving well in the second set, whilst Greg serve improved remarkably, despite feeling awkward in his shoulder. Matt again broke Greg early in the set, but this time Greg was able to convert the break point opportunities he created, levelling at 3-3, then having another break point at 4-3, but Matt again served his way out of trouble, levelling then breaking Greg at 5-5, to competently serve out the match with four first serves to win the set 7-5 and win the match 6-3, 7-5.

Greg was happy with the way he played, with room for improvement, but had been aware of some "funny" sensations in his serving shoulder, and not serving at 100% to hopefully avoid any problems. He is attributing the sensations to not having served enough whilst concentrating on improving his fitness and movement. After a few days rest he will then see how his shoulder feels.

As predicted Matt Barton went on to win the Manly Seaside singles title.