Aussie Summer 2015-16 #15

Mildura on the Murray River

More extreme weather faced the players on Thursday in Mildura for the second round of the singles, with temperatures soaring to 36 degrees as Greg played his match. Greg's opponent was a young Australian wild card recipient, 17 year old Mislav Bosnjak, of Croatian heritage, currently unranked on the ATP, but just having gained his first ranking point by virtue of his first round win, over another wild card. Greg will be happy and confident with this draw, but a bit anxious against an unknown player with nothing to lose, whose game he will have to adjust to quickly.
Serving first Greg took full advantage of Bosnjak's nervousness, attacking and getting an early break. Greg was not serving well himself but managed to save a break point in getting to 4-1, then 5-2 up. Greg applied the pressure as Bosnjak served to stay in the set, breaking Bosnjak to snare he first set 6-2.

Teenager Mislav Bosnjak

Again with the advantage of serving first in the set, Greg served a couple of aces to start the set, his and Bosnjak's serves improving throughout the match, and games went with serve to 3-3. A slight lapse in concentration, coupled with the energy sapping heat, saw him miss a few first serves and have Greg facing break point. In the heat the last thing Greg needed was to go behind and face the prospect of playing a third set. He scrambled the next point, a good first serve and a solid forehand winner on the line seeing him save the point, for him to serve out he game, to lead 4-3. 
Greg then made his intent clear with positive attacking play, forcing Bosnjak to multiple deuces and break points, winning on the third opportunity to get the vital break, to lead 5-3. Greg was not going to give up another chance to Bosnjak, racing to 40-0, before claiming the set 6-3 on the third match point, winning the match 6-2, 6-3.
A good draw for Greg, after he disposed on the No.8 seed, and last years finalist, in the first round. He had taken the opportunity well, recording his second win in a row in a main draw for the first time in over 18 months.
Now for the quarter-finals.