Aussie Summer 2015-16 #12

Port Pirie TC courts

In the first round of the men's singles in the Futures tournament in Port Pirie Greg had better luck in the draw, avoiding a seed. His opponent was wild card recipient, up and coming young Aussie, 16 year old Alexei Popyrin, as yet to attain an ATP ranking, but currently ranked a handy 38 in the ITF Junior rankings, with still two years to play as a junior. 

Junior Alexei Popyrin

Greg said Popyrin was a tall youngster with a handy serve but lacking the consistency required at the Men's level. First match on the day, Greg was able to play a contained game, keeping the pressure on the youngster, relying on Popyrin's errors to force two breaks of serve in the first set, winning the set 6-3. An early break of serve in the second set allowed Greg to concentrate on holding serve, which he did to register a regulation straight sets win 6-3 6-3.
Greg was pleased with the way he played and the result, but said he could have returned better. He was not finished for the day though, as he was scheduled to back up and play his second round doubles match later in the afternoon.



Tasmanian Harry Bourchier

Playing with Stephen De Waard they were up against another young Aussie pairing of 20 year-old Harry Bouchier and 18 year-old Daniel Nolan, Bourchier ranked 620 and Nolan yet to attain an ATP ranking, hoping to do so by winning this match.
Greg said they dominated in the first set, having break opportunities on sudden death deuce on three of their opponents service games but failing to convert. Then on the only break-point they faced, they dropped their serve, and then the set 4-6 .

Teenager Daniel Nolan

They managed to get the crucial break in the second set, breaking again to win the set 6-3 and level the match at a set all, going to the lottery Match Tie-break decider. A couple of good returns and serves saw Bourchier and Nolan skip out to a lead, which Greg and De Waard were unable to recover and the match was lost 7-10 in the deciding tie-break.
Not the expected result for Greg and Stephen, in a match in which they had plenty of opportunity but not much luck, as essential ingredient in tight matches.

Greg said that his body felt ok after a busy day, so should be in good shape for his second round match tomorrow.