American Summer 2016 - Vancouver #2

It was an early 10am start for Greg in the first round of the singles in the Vancouver Futures tournament, held at Richmond Country Club. His opponent was young Canadian, 17 year old Alex Galarneau, yet to record a win in the main draw of any Protour match as yet, and so, as yet unranked.

Greg started poorly, going down 0-30, but two aces got him back level, only for him to face break point and lose his first service game. He responded, getting Galarneau to 0-40, but was unable to convert, to slip 2-0 down, then 3-0 as he again lost his serve. A dream start for Galarneau. But Greg hit back, again getting Galarneau to 0-40, this time converting to get a break back at 1-3. Greg saved another break point opportunity to get to 2-4, then brought up another break point on Galarneau's serve at 3-4, but again failed to convert and was unable to prevent Galarneau winning the first set 6-4.

Richmond Country Club

Greg was straight on the attack in the second set, this time taking the opportunities he created, breaking Galarneau and holding serve to lead 3-0. Galarneau denied him a second straight break and Greg held to lead 4-1. Greg then broke Galarneau again to serve for the set at 5-1, but a poor service game saw him get broken again. Fortunately he was still a break up and served out the set, winning it 6-2 and levelling the match at a set all.
Greg again attacked at the start of the third set and had Galarneau facing break point in the first game, but could not convert as Galarneau saved twice to win the first game. Greg was serving well now and both players held serve to take the score to 4-3 in Galarneau's favour. Then on the back of two aces Greg led 40-0 on his serve, only to lose the next four points to Galarneau and inexplicably face break point. He saved the first by Galarneau brought up another opportunity and this time broke Greg to tae a decisive 5-3 lead. Greg fought back getting Galarneau to 0-30 but was unable to stop Galarneau winning the next four points, to win the set 6-4 and bundle Greg out of the tournament in the first round, winning a topsy-turvy match 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, recording his first win on the Mens Protour.
Greg was not happy. He had played well in patches but had missed too many opportunities. A slow start had given the momentum and some confidence to his young opponent. Greg had responded but did not play well enough, with little luck, to put his opponent under sufficient pressure constantly.