Aussie Summer 2015-16 #17

Mildura Lawn Tennis Club, Victoria

As the heat in Mildura increased to 40 degrees, the heat in the tournament was to increase for Greg as he faced the No.1 seed in the semi-finals. Former ITF Junior No.1 player and double Junior Grand slam winner, at Australian and Wimbledon on grass, Luke Saville was Greg's opponent. Still a work in progress on the Men's Tour, Saville has seven Futures titles to his name, including Mildura in 2014, and is currently ranked 188, with an eye on attaining the top 100 ranking in the near future. A real test for Greg, with Saville definitely the favourite.

Former ITF Junior No.1 Luke Saville

Greg served first and got on the board before taking the game to Saville and breaking in his first service game to lead 2-0. Saville fought back and broke Greg immediately, somewhat luckily Greg thought with some close calls and a shank winner, but still the score was even at 2-2 as Saville held serve. Games then going with serve to 4-3 in Greg's favour. As the heat increased, Greg was able to convert another break point opportunity he created on Saville's serve, to serve for the set at 5-3. Although forced to deuce Greg was able to hold serve and win the first set 6-3.

Greg in the semis at Mildura

Greg was keen to press his advantage and broke Saville again early in the second set, then holding his own serve without ado, to maintain a break lead, getting the score to 3-1, then 4-2, then 5-3 without facing a break point on his serve. Greg then forced Saville to defend match point on Saville's serve, breaking Saville again to snare the match 6-3, 6-3, and advance to the final.
Greg said he had played well. He had not served as well as the previous two days but had been solid from the back of court and had returned well against the big serving Saville. He was glad to get off court fairly quickly and avoid too much time in the searing afternoon Mildura heat.