American Summer 2016 - Lexington #2

And a sterner test it was that faced Greg in the second round of the singles in Lexington in the form of the No.1 qualifying seed, 23 year-old Japanese Yasutaka Uchiyama, currently ranked 305, on a very hot day with an energy sapping 80% humidity.

Greg, serving first, was immediately under the hammer from Uchiyama, forced to fend off eight break points in the first three games. Uchiyama though did not have it all his own way, as Greg brought up two break points against him. But serving at over 80% Uchiyama held firm, and the both held serve to get to 3-3. Greg started holding serve easier despite serving at 50% but could not make any in-roads into Uchiyama's serve, still at an amazing 80%. Greg served to get to 6-5, just waiting for Uchiyama's serve to fade a bit, and then it did and Greg was straight in. Uchiyama served just three second serves, enough for Greg to get him to deuce and then bring up break-point, converting to break Uchiyama and snare the first set 7-5.ing the
Uchiyama hit straight back in the first game of the second set, forcing Greg to 15-40 but an ace by Greg helped him get back to deuce and then hold serve. The second set followed much of the pattern of the end of the second set, with Uchiyama serving at a high percentage and holding serve easily and Greg also holding well, despite serving below 50%, games going by quickly `to the tie-break a 6-6, in the lightning quick hot, humid conditions.

Yasutako Uchiyama

The tie-break started well for Greg, holding serve then breaking Uchiyama to lead 2-1. But he then dropped both his serves and Uchiyama levelled, then went ahead to lead and serve at 3-2 up. Greg then broke and they swopped ends even at 3-3. They then both held serve until Uchiyama brought up set point, but in serve with Greg serving at 5-6. Greg held and then brought up match point at 7-6, only to be denied by an Uchiyama first serve. Then it was Greg's turn to save set point again at 7-8 but he was unable to bring up another match point, Uchiyama breaking him to serve for the set at 9-8 up. And he was successful, winning the second set 7-6 and taking the match to a third set.
The tie-break was crucial for Greg, a "must-win", as he was feeling the effects of the hot, humid day and still struggling with a stiff and sore back. The third set was a set too far, with Uchiyama having the momentum and serving first. Uchiyama held and then immediately broke Greg, before holding serve again to race to a 3-0 lead. Greg fought back but Uchiyama got him to deuce and then brought up another break point, converting again to go a double break up at 4-0. Two games later it was match over, Uchiyama winning the set 6-0 and the match 5-7, 7-6(8), 6-0.
The first two sets were so close. Greg was just one point away from winning and was gutted at the result, but buoyed by his performance against the top qualifying seed.