Greg's next opponent in the second round of the Granby Challenger could have shared transport to the courts with him as they were staying together in an Airbnb residence in Granby, as the town's hotels were full due a number of events over the weekend. 24 year old Italian Eric Crepaldi, currently ranked 412, with a high rank of 262 has not set the tennis world alight but has amassed six Futures singles titles and numerous double titles over the years and will be another tough test in Greg's attempt to qualify and work his way back up the rankings.
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| Granby Courts |
Greg had the better of the exchanges in the first set, managing to save four break points during the set while converting both the opportunities he created to go a double break and win the first set 6-2. The second set was a closer affair, and this time it was Crepaldi, serving at 73%, who managed to save four break points, denying Greg a break. Greg was serving well, winning a high percentage of his serves but Crepaldi managed to break Greg once out of three chances to snare the second set 6-4, taking the match to the third set.
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| Leftie Italian Eric Crepaldi |
With Greg serving first, both players were feeling the pressure and serve percentages dropped slightly, both players dropping serve once in getting to 3-3. Greg then held serve to lead 4-3, and then managed to bring up a critical break-point on Crepaldi's serve. Crepaldi's shot was called out, then over-ruled by the umpire, much to Greg's chagrin, and the chance was gone. Greg said it was a 50-50 call and he was unlucky not to get the break. Crepaldi held for 4-4, then 5-5. Greg was feeling the effects of the long game and Crepaldi forced him to break-point, converting to break Greg and take a decisive 6-5 lead. Despite Greg's best efforts Crepaldi served out the set 7-5, winning a close fought match 2-6, 6-4, 7-5.
Greg was bitterly disappointed but said he had played well. There was very little between the players. Neither had dominated but Greg felt he was a tad unlucky in not winning the second or third set, considering the chances he had created. More work to be done.
Greg's next opponent in the second round of the Granby Challenger could have shared transport to the courts with him as they were staying together in an Airbnb residence in Granby, as the town's hotels were full due a number of events over the weekend. 24 year old Italian Eric Crepaldi, currently ranked 412, with a high rank of 262 has not set the tennis world alight but has amassed six Futures singles titles and numerous double titles over the years and will be another tough test in Greg's attempt to qualify and work his way back up the rankings.
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