Back in Oz - Spring 2017

During the Las Vegas tournament Greg had experienced pain in his lower ribs area whilst serving, so he decided not to rush back to Australia for the Traralgon Challenger. The time change coupled with travel times would have meant he arrived in Melbourne on Friday, would have to get home, then drive to Traralgon, have a late afternoon hit to adjust to different court and ball conditions, all whilst jet-lagged, then try and recover before playing in qualifying on Saturday morning. If he won that match he most probably would have to play a second matches on that day, due to the Tennis Australia policy, (unlike most of the other countries of the world), of playing two qualifying rounds on one day. In the other Challenger tournaments they play on three consecutive days. By insisting they play two qualifying matches on one day, Tennis Australia show a distinct lack of respect for the qualifying players and have little appreciation or care for the demands the matches have on a player's body. Little wonder the Australian players have a litany of injuries during their fledgling years, which they carry on into careers.
Greg rather chose to give his ribs a rest and stayed in Las Vegas an extra couple of days to take in a show, a Michael Jackson tribute which he said was outstanding and then helped Sam Groth celebrate his 30th  birthday, the two players having known each other since they were young teenagers. He then returned to LA and stayed with good friend Carsten Ball, catching up on lost time before returning on his scheduled flight back to Melbourne.
Refreshed and after a couple of training sessions at Kooyong and Melbourne Park, with no problem with his ribs, Greg then went to Canberra for the qualifying of the next Challenger tournament. Seeded 7, his opponent was 23 year old Australian Alexander Babanine, currently ranked 1761. However, Greg had another problem - a pain below his right knee, at the bottom of his tendon, which had become inflamed after his econd practise session in Melbourne. Greg had the knee taped by the physio and hoped that it would not restrict his movement or get any worse.

Alex Babanine

Serving first, four first serves in the first game by Greg, on a fast hard court surface, saw Greg start the match confidently, and he quickly moved to 2-1 up. On the back of two close line calls that went his way, when Babanine hit two consecutive shots long, Greg then broke Babanine to lead 3-1. Greg was serving well, hitting six aces and winning all his first serves in the first set, as well as playing some sublime volleys and forehand winners, and he served out the set 6-3.
The second set, with Babanine serving first, saw services dominate and there was only one deuce game in the score getting to 5-5. However Greg was being hampered by a worsening knee problem, and was moving less well, at times limping, and his service action was being compromised, as he favoured his right knee and his left leg was taking all the weight of the serve. At 5-6 down, serving to stay in the set, and at 40-15 looking like he was going to take the set to the tie-break, he failed to convert the game, losing four points in a row on the back of four second serve and dropped the set 5-7, the match tied a one set all.

Greg hitting rather tentatively

With Babanine serving first in the third set, games went with serve to 2-1. Then an evidently struggling Greg took an injury time out. There was not much he could do about his knee but he needed attention on his other leg due to the strain he was placing on that leg. He came out and served an ace, but was then pegged back to face break point. Another two good serves saved the break point and brought up game point in his favour, but he was again pegged back to deuce and then broken to trail 1-3. With new balls Babanine consolidated and stretched the lead to 4-1. Greg contemplated withdrawing but struggled on, trying to keep the points short, trying to win the match on one leg. And he played some great tennis to hold serve and then forced Babanine to break point and broke back to give himself a chance at 3-4. But his movement was too impeded and Babanine played steady tennis, forcing Greg to move around the court and then broke Greg again to serve for the match at 5-3. He then served out the match, much to his delight, to win the set 6-3, and a tight match 3-6, 7-5, 6-3.
Greg was extremely frustrated by the match, the circumstances and the result. He had played good tennis but was hampered by his injury. Tennis at the professional level demands a fully functioning body, operating at maximum capacity, even in qualifying and whilst Greg had almost won the match playing virtually with one good leg, it would have been pointless as he still had to win another two matches to qualify, one of which he would have had to play two hours later.
Greg had planned to travel to Japan to play in the Challenger tournament next week but now will take more time off to try and recover, and to contemplate his way forward from here. That will be his last match for this somewhat traumatic year, which has been full of injuries, much recovery time and a lot of very close matches, many of which have not gone his way unfortunately.

Autumn in the States 2017 #9

UNLV Tennis Centre

Greg extended his stay in Las Vegas when he and compatriot Matt Barton made it into the main draw for the doubles. Their draw however was not so lucky, as they drew the No. 2 seeds, Greg's good mate Jarryd Chaplin and partner Latvian Mikelis Libietis. Both 25 years old Chaplin and Libietis were both on the same US College tennis team and now on the Pro-circuit are ranked 178 and 189 respectively in the doubles. Greg and Matt know Jarryd from junior squad days, so it will be an interesting match.
On the slick fast Las Vegas hard courts serves dominated and neither side offered up a single break point opportunity, even in the sudden death format. Matt and Greg were serving at a high first serve percentage and held serve easily but could not make any inroads into their opponents services, games going with serve to the tie-break at 6-6.

Aussie Jarryd Chaplin

Matt and Greg broke first point but were pegged back immediately, to get to 2-1 on serve. They then pouched both of their opponents serves to take a handy double break 4-1 lead. But their opponents hit back immediately to change ends only 1 break down at 4-2. Greg held serve to extend their lead to 5-2. Another break would give them set point but their opponents held both of their serves to put the pressure on Matt to serve out the tie-break at 5-4. But it was not to be, as Chaplin and Libietis won both of his serves to get to set point at 6-5, and then won their serve to steal the tie-break 7-5, and the first set 7-6.

Latvian Mikelis Libietis

Greg and Matt started the set well, as did their opponents, games again going to 2-2. Then suddenly some good returns saw Greg facing three break points, and was broken to hand the advantage to their opponents. In their next service game it was Matt who was broken, to trail 2-5. The end of the match came in a hurry, as their opponents, with the momentum behind them, served out the set 6-2, to win the match 7-6(5), 6-2.
A disappointing result for Greg and Matt, but their relative lack of playing doubles together told in the end and their more experienced opponents were able capitalise when the pressure was on.

Autumn in the States 2017 #8

Las Vegas was the next stop for Greg, again in qualifying for the Challenger tournament. His opponent was a formidable opponent and friend, Denmark's Frederick Nielsen. The 34 year-old Danish player had a chequered career, never quite realising his full potential in singles but achieving the amazing feat in the doubles by winning a Grand Slam doubles title. At Wimbledon in 2012, teamed with Brit Jonathan Marray, after having played together only three times previously, the pair became the first wildcard pairing to win the title. Following that success, Nielsen decided to continue his career concentrating on singles. Currently ranked 556, with a singles high ranking of 190 and a doubles high ranking of an impressive 17, the former Hopman Cup player, plays hot and cold and Greg will be hoping he is in cold mode for today's match. Nielsen won their only other previous meeting at Tiburon in straight sets, way back in 2012.

Frank &Vicki Fertitta Complex - UNLV

Nielsen had the advantage of serving first in the match and the two players swopped break of serve in getting to 5-5. Despite Greg serving at 72 percent first serves, Nielsen was returning well and forced Greg to face five break points up to that stage, and Greg had saved four of those and had pouched the only opportunity he had on Nielsen's serve. Nielsen then held again to lead 6-5 and force Greg to serve to stay in the set. He got Greg to 15-40. Greg managed to save the first set point but was unable to prevent Nielsen from breaking and winning the set 6-5.
Greg continued his high percentage serving in the second set, and despite Nielsen breaking him once, he also broke Nielsen, to get to 4-4, then served to lead 5-4. Just as Nielsen had done in the first set, Greg was able to put the pressure on Nielsen, serving to stay in the set, bringing up break point and converting to win the second set 6-4 and take the match to the third set.

Dane Freddie Nielsen

The third set was a keenly and close fought set, Greg again serving well. Both players conceded one break of serve, each saving two out of three break point opportunities, taking the match to 5-5. Greg then held to lead set 6-5. Two close line calls which went the way of Nielsen, saw Nielsen serving at 30-0, instead of at 0-30 and he continued on to tie the set up and take it into the tie-break at 6-6. Serving first it was Greg who had to face set point first, actually a match point to Nielsen, on serve with Nielsen serving. Greg saved the match point to change end at 6-6. Nielsen then hit a freakish squash-like forehand winner, to break Greg and bring up a second match point at 7-6. He served out the tie-break to win the set 7-6 and an agonisingly close match 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (6).
It was a match in which Greg had maintained a consistent high level of serving and had competed well, just not having the luck at the end to snare the win. He was pleased with his effort and level if tennis but was disappointed at the final result, having done little to lose the match.

Autumn in the States 2017 #7

The second round of qualifying for the  Challenger tournament in Fairfield saw Greg up against 27 year-old Brit Alexander Ward, currently ranked 408, but with a high rank of 242 attained in June 2016. Like Greg, Alex is trying to get back to his previous level of tennis and is in good form, knocking off the No. 4 seed in the opening round of qualifying. This will be their first match against each other on the Pro-circuit.
Both players struggled with serve in the first set, and in a topsy-turvy set both players were able to break each other. It was Ward who had the better of the exchanges, forcing Greg to face 7 break points in the first set, Greg managing to save three of those points, but it was not all one-way traffic. Greg managed to break Ward twice in the set, but Ward ended up winning the set 6-3. 

Brit Alex Ward

Greg served better in the second set, and the players exchanged break of serves. But Ward then broke Greg a second time to go on to win the set 6-4, and the match 6-3, 6-4.
Not a good follow up match for Greg, who could not replicate the way he finished off his previous match.
Footnote: it was Alex Ward who last week found Greg's wallet down the side of a lounge chair, after Greg had mislaid his wallet which was missing for almost a week. Luckily due to the CBA and modern technology Greg did not have to cancel his cards, just checked that no-one had use of them, them locked and limited access to the cards. Lucky Greg that he gave Alex a lift and Alex just happened to wander into the lounge room at the house whilst waiting for Greg.

Autumn in the States 2017 #6

 It was off to Fairfield this weekend for the qualifying for the next Challenger tournament. Greg's first round opponent was 22 year-old Mexican Lucas Gomez, currently ranked 904, with a high ranking of 463 achieved in April 2016. After a run of losses Greg will be keen to perform well and hopefully get another win under his belt.



Fairfield Rancho Salerno centre

Both players showed sign of nerves at the start, Greg dropping his first service games to give Gomez an immediate advantage, only for Greg to immediately break back to level the score at 1-1. They both then settled down and games went with serve to 3-3. Greg was serving erratically with numerous aces, countered by double faults, and Gomez forced Greg to break point, only to have Greg serve another ace to deny Gomez the break, then wrapped up the game with another ace. Crisis averted, games went with serve to the tie-break at 6-6. Greg served well in the tie-break, whilst Gomez struggled to find his first serve and it was Greg who took the advantage at 3-2 up, breaking Gomez twice to go to a 5-2 lead, then serve out the tie-break 7-2, to pouch the first set 7-6.


Mexican Lucas Gomez

Greg was quick out of the blocks in the second set, breaking Gomez first game. But in a mirror of the first set, this time it was Gomez who fought back to break back and level at 1-1. Greg rallied and had Gomez at 0-40, but Gomez denied him all three break point opportunities with three good first serves to go 2-1 up. At 3-2 up Gomez broke Greg to lead 4-2, then ran away with the set, holding serve and then breaking Greg again, to win the set 6-2, and take the match into the third set.Gomez now had the momentum, despite Greg serving 19 aces, but with 10 double faults, and Greg had battle on his hands. But Greg was not going away. He immediately forced Gomez to save a break-point in the first set to get to 1-0. Greg and Gomez then held serve comfortably, games going to 4-3 with no further break point opportunities or deuces. Greg then lost the first two points of his serve to trail 0-30, but rallied to pull back, winning the game with another ace, to get to 4-4. He then upped the pressure on Gomez, forcing Gomez to 0-40, and converting the first break-point opportunity to take a critical 5-4 lead, and serve for the match. He did so to love, winning the last 12 points of the set, to win the match 7-6(2), 2-6, 6-4.
Greg said it took him the first set to adjust to the quick pace of the Fairfield courts, then played a good tie-break. He should have put away the match at the start of the second set, but played patchily for the set. He slowly got back into the groove at the start of the third set, and finished very strongly at the end. It was good to win a close match and his body felt great after the match. Hopefully he can replicate that good finish in the second round match.

Autumn in the States 2017 #5

The next Challenger tournament on the calendar took Greg to Stockton in California. Playing in qualifying he did not get the best of draws, but still a winnable match, up against his peer, 28 year old Colombian Alejandro Gonzalez. Not as successful in the Juniors as Greg, Gonzalez had since been a consistent performer and had successfully made the transition to the ATP tour, attaining a top 100 ranking, with a ranking high of 70 attained in June 2014. However, since mid 2015 Gonzalez's tennis has been in slow decline and this year his ranking has slipped to a current low of 460. Now on the come-back trail he was required to play qualifying and will be a tough match for Greg. 

Eve Zimmerman Tennis Centre

Serving first, Greg was quickly into the first game but Gonzalez pegged him back to deuce and forced Greg to save break point to hold serve. Greg again had game points in his second service game, but was again forced to deuce and then had to save two break points, to get the score to 2-1. He then forced Gonzalez to face a break point, but Gonzalez denied Greg, games going to 2-2. But Greg was serving at below 50% and Gonzalez was attacking his second serve, this time breaking Greg on the second opportunity to go a break up, then hold serve to consolidate his lead at 4-2. Greg was again under the pump in his next service game, and saved multiple break points, but could not win two points in a row, eventually being broken after saving five break points, to trail 2-5. Gonzalez  served out the next game to win the set 6-2.

Colombian Alejandro Gonzalez

The first game of the second set saw Gonzalez maintain his momentum, getting Greg to 15-40, Fighting back Greg got the game back to deuce but could not create a game point, and lost his serve to trail 0-1, then 0-2 as Gonzalez  held serve confidently. The third game was another marathon game for Greg, as he saved 8 break points and had multiple deuces, but again could not get the vital game point, dropping serve again, to go 0-3 down. He could not make any in-roads on Gonzalez serve, with Gonzalez running away with the set at the end, to win the set 6-0, and the match with a lop-sided score-line of 6-2, 6-0.
Greg said he had not played badly, his serve improving throughout the match, and that the score did not reflect the match, nor his effort in saving a mammoth 17 break-points, but still not making any headway in the match. He said the match was a strange one with no tournament atmosphere at all - it was the last match on late in the day, they had no ball boys and the only spectator was Gonzalez's coach.  

Autumn in the States 2017 #4

Tiburon Peninsula

In the second round of qualifying for the Tiburon Challenger Greg had a tough draw, up against the No.1 qualifying seed, 29 year old American Tim Smyczek. Currently ranked 189.  Smyczek has been a top 100 player, with a singles high ranking of 68 achieved in 2015, so a tough match up for Greg. Smyczek leads the head to head 1-0, winning their only previous match in straight sets at the Tallahassee Challenger in 2013.
The first set was a close fought affair, with Greg serving at a high percentage, whilst Smyczek was winning all his second serves, dominating from the baseline. It was Smyczek who crafted the only break- point opportunity of the set, snaring the vital break and going on to win the first set 6-4. 

No. 1 seed Tim Smyczek

In the second set Smyczek applied even more pressure, and when Greg's first serve percentage dipped, he was able to break Greg twice. Smyczek held serve to go 5-1 up and then broke Greg a third time to run away with the second set 6-1, winning the match 6-4, 6-1.
A disappointing loss for Greg in a tough assignment. It will be back to the practise courts for another week until the next tournament.
Greg was due to play in the doubles qualifying with compatriot Matt Barton, who like Greg is on the come-back trail after a long time off with injury, but it was not to be as Barton strained a muscle in his leg and was unable to take to the court, gifting their opponents a walk-over.

Autumn in the States 2017 #3

Qualifying for the $100k Tiburon Challenger was the next stop for Greg. His opponent was another ex-USA college player, 25 year old Nick Chappel, currently ranked 904, with a high rank of 627 last year. He will be a stern test for Greg.
Serving first Greg was untroubled on serve, serving at a high percentage and only losing 5 points on his serve in the first set. He was also able to create opportunities on Chappel's serve, having four break opportunities but being unable to convert, games going with serve to 5-5. Greg held to lead 6-5, then once again brought up a break point opportunity on Chappel's serve, this time converting and finally breaking Chappel, to deservedly win the set 7-5,

The Tiburon Centre

The second set was in sharp contrast to the first. Again serving first Greg found himself facing double break-point at 15-40 in his first three service games. He saved in the first game, and repeated the effort in his second service game, to get to 2-1. But he could not repeat again in the third service game, dropping serve to trail 2-3, then 2-4. Chappel was now holding his serve quite easily so Greg needed to look after his own serve and be patient and put the pressure back on Chappell. Games went with serve to 4-5 Chappel leading with the break.

Nick Chappel

With Chappel serving for the set at 5-4 and 30-15 it looked like the match was heading for the third set but then Greg produced his best tennis, winning the next four points to break Chappel and level the set at 5-5.   
Both players held serve to get the set to the tie-break at 6-6. In the tie-break Greg took the early advantage to break Chappel and lead 2-1, then held serve to get to 4-1. Chappel could not find a first serve, whilst Greg was serving well and Greg broke Chappel twice more to win the tie-break 7-1, the set 7-6 and the match 7-5, 7-6.
Greg was relieved and happy to get a win. He said he had generally played well and his body had felt good. It was a close match out of which Greg can take some confidence and now get some more valuable match court time.

Autumn in the States 2017 #2

Greg’s next tournament was the $15k Futures tournament hosted by the Laguna Niguel Racquet Club in California. Scheduled as one of the last Round 1 matches on, Greg was up against local American 26 year old Conor Berg, currently ranked 1031 with a high rank of 918, who has not played regularly on the Pro Circuit, having played mainly in the USA College competitions. Conor had come through qualifying to the main draw.
In the first set Greg held service but could not get a break on the serve of Berg, games going to the tie-break at 6-6. In the tie-break it was Greg who gained the ascendancy and ran off with the set, winning the tie-break 7-1.
In the second set Greg, in the failing light of dusk, fell behind a break, to trail at 2-5. He managed to get the break back, and at 5-6, the lights were turned on. Greg said perhaps they should have stopped playing then, as the lights were not up to standard, but he had the momentum, having come back from 2-5, and they continued into the tie-break, Greg keen to finish the match. In the tie-break Greg had two match point opportunities, both on Berg’s serve, but Berg hit a good serve on the first point to deny Greg. Then on the second point Greg missed a waist high volley after working the point in a 15 shot rally. He was not too happy, especially when Berg ended up winning the tie-break 10-8, and the set 7-6, to take the match into a third set. And into another day - because play was suspended due to the poor lighting, with the match delicately poised at one set all.

Conor Berg

The next day it was back onto court to resume the Round 1 match, but only after a lengthy delay for rain. Greg said he did not play well in the third set, playing a poor game to go an early break-down. He rallied to get the break back, but then serving at 40-15 served a double fault, then made two errors and lost his serve again. He had a break-point opportunity the next game on Berg's serve, to get back on serve, but failed to convert. He was unable to break Berg again, with Berg winning the set 6-3, and a close fought match 6-7(1), 7-6(8), 6-3.
Greg was annoyed with the fact that he did not finish off the match on the first day, But it is only his second pro-tour match in almost six months, so will take some positives out of the match and work on the areas of his play that requires attention.

Autumn in the States 2017 #1

After what seems an eternity, with Greg last playing at the end of March, Greg was finally fit and injury free and ready to take the challenge that is the Men's professional tennis world tour. Multiple injuries - knee and wrist mainly, with a torn calf muscle thrown in (incurred whilst training), have kept Greg off the professional circuit and struggling to shake those injuries and get his fitness back up to the required level. His recovery has been a slow one, with injuries flaring up again but he has stuck to the task. He has spent the last five weeks hard at work, concentrating on his fitness levels and getting  quality hitting with whomever he could at Tennis Australia and Kooyong. He also had some match practise tennis whilst training, although at club level, playing for his club Kooyong and helping his team win the Pennant.

The Claremont Club

His first pro circuit tournament back was an entry level $15k ITF event in Claremont, California. Seeded No. 8, Greg was drawn against 25 year-old American John Lamble, who had a recent ranking high of 751. It was not the start to his come back that Greg would have desired, as his lack of match play showed in the first set, as he lost the set 3-6, but he quickly shrugged off the rustiness and fought back to win the second set 6-4. The third set was a close contest, but Greg just could not get the breakthrough, then dropped his serve at the death, to lose the set 5-7 and the match.

John Lamble

Greg said he had played well and felt good after the long match. He failed to take some opportunities and could have done with some luck during the match. Disappointing, but plenty of positives to take out of the match and to build on. His body feels good after rigours of a long match, so back on the court in the next tournament next week.

Australian Autumn 2017 - Canberra #6

Following his win in the first round match on Thursday Greg had to back up to play his second round match, up against the No.1 seed, 26 year-old Spanish clay court grinder Jordi Samper-Montana, ranked 217, whose brother plays professional soccer in Spain, having played for FC Barcelona at one stage. It was a long wait for them to get on court, as rain delayed the match prior to their match. Greg said it is always hard to judge when to get prepared when waiting in rain delays. Then suddenly the rain stopped and before they knew it, they were on court, as in the match before them four games were won in a row to quickly wrap-up that match.

Greg took to court still slightly stiff and still feeling the effects of his previous match. Samper-Montana was fresh and quickly off the match while Greg was still a bit sluggish. A double fault by Greg presented a breakpoint opportunity to Samper-Montana, who gratefully converted to break Greg  in the first game. Greg got going but could not break back immediately, to trail 1-3. He then saw himself staring at 0-40 and three break points, but in the light drizzly condition he managed to get back to deuce and then hold serve to get to 2-3. Then the heavens opened again and once again they were chased off court for the day.

Friday arrived with only slightly better weather, and they continued the match with Samper-Montana serving to consolidate the break, going to 4-2 up. Greg could make no further inroads into Samper-Montana'a serve and the Spaniard served out the first set 6-4.



Spaniard Jordi Samper-Montana

Greg started the second set much better than the first, dropping only 1 point in getting to 2-1.  Greg said Samper-Montana was typically playing very deep in the court and Greg was now dictating play coming forward, playing drop shots and short volleys which were catching the Spaniard too far back. At 2-1 Greg then forced Samper-Montana to deuce, then break-point, breaking serve to lead 3-1. Inexplicably, Samper-Montana then won nine points in a row, to break Greg to love, then hold to love to get back even at 3-3. Greg steadied and on the back of two aces held serve. He then had Samper-Montana at 0-40, for a chance to break and serve for the set. 

However on that last point, whilst going out wide to return and then changing direction and pushing forward to get to the net, he felt a twinge in his groin and feared for the worst. He was unable to move properly and Samper-Montana reeled off five points in a row to save the break and level at 4-3. Greg then sought medical atttention from the physio and took a medical time out to have his injured groin assessed and then treated. Fortunately it was not too serious, but Greg was then wary of stressing the groin more. He returned to court but Samper-Montana took advantage of his uncertain movement, breaking Greg to lead 5-4 and serve for the set. But Greg was not done, playing some inspired tennis to keep the points short and got the Spaniard to 15-40 and have two break opportunities. He was unable to convert and Samper-Montana recovered to serve out the set 6-4 and win the match 6-4, 6-4. 

Greg was disappointed, as he was playing well but did not have the luck to take advantage of the opportunities he created. It was a frustrating rain interrupted week of stop-start tennis, played in tricky conditions on slippery courts, not conducive to great tennis. He will have a couple of weeks to shake off any potential injuries to his groin and knees, after his fall earlier in the week, and train for his next tournament. 

Australian Autumn 2017 - Canberra #5

The clay courts at Lyneham

In Canberra for the second of the two Futures tournaments, after a short break, all eyes were gazing skywards as the clouds built up. Greg was due to play his doubles first round match on Monday, partnering Rubin Statham, but the scheduled singles matches did not even get finished as rain stopped play for the day. The next day was not much better but they managed to get a few more singles matches finished, and Greg was up to play his singles first round before any doubles was contemplated. His first round opponent was young 18 year old Michael Commings, who was having a good week after qualifying, winning three matches over the weekend. As yet not ranked in the ATP, Commings will be giving it his best shot to overcome Greg and secure that coveted first ATP singles ranking point.

Michael Commings at an earlier age

With Greg serving first, games progressed on serve to 3-2. Then at 30-0 on Commings' serve, the rain came down again and after a lengthy delay, play was abandoned for the Tuesday.
On Wednesday more rain was forecast, and the start of play was delayed for a short time but eventually all was dry for play to commence, with young Commings serving at 2-3, 30-0. Greg was straight into some good play, getting Commings to deuce, saving three game points before bringing up a break point opportunity, and converting immediately to break Commings and lead 4-2. He served well to consolidate the break, at 5-2. Commings steadied to get to 5-3. Then Greg hit a purple patch, winning the next 18 poinsvto win the next game to love and the second set 6-3. He then  broke Commings to love in the first game of the second set, held serve to love, then broke Commings to love again, to lead 3-0, 30-0.
Greg went a double break 4-0 up, and from there was in cruise control, breaking Commings a third time at the end, winning the second set 6-1 and the match 6-3, 6-1.
Greg was supposed to play a few matches later in his first round doubles but unfortunately Rubin was forced to withdraw, not in good shape after a first round loss in the singles. So then they scheduled Greg for another singles match, due to the backlog of matches caused by the rain. But that's tomorrow's story, as the second round singles match was yet again interrupted and then postponed due to more rain.
So on to tomorrow, praying for some good weather. 

Australian Autumn 2017 - Canberra #4

On another windless day, unusual for Canberra, Greg was up against the No.3 seed in the quarterfinals of the Futures tournament. His opponent, fellow Kooyong tennis player teenager Omar  Jasika, was a late entrant in the tournament and had to go through qualifying to play in the Main Draw. The 19 year old has an impressive ATP ranking of 252, and got the better of Greg in the only match they have played,  in straight sets in the Challenger tournament in Canberra last October, but on hard court.
Greg got off to a flyer again, holding serve then forcing Jasika to 0-40 in the second game, but Jasika played too well to deny Greg the break and get back to deuce. Greg created two more break opportunities in that game but Jasika denied him again, to level at 1-1. At 2-2, in a long deuce game, Greg faced a breakpoint but a well timed ace saw him escape the break and go 3-2 up on serve. Then at 4-4, Jasika had Greg facing another break point and this time converted the opportunity to go ahead 5-4 and serve for the set. Greg fought back and forced Jasika to 15-40 but again good play from Jasika denied Greg the break-back opportunity, and he went on to win the first set 6-4.

Omar Jasika lines up a forehand

A frustrated Greg, who had seven break opportunities to the two against him in the first set, and had still lost the set, did not start the second set well, being broken to love to trail a break down at 0-1. From 5-4. 0-15 with two break points against him in the first set, Jasika had a purple patch of high class tennis, winning 13 points in a row, to win the first set, then broke Greg to love, held seeve to love, to go 2-0 up in the second set, then win the first point of Greg's next serve.
Greg steadied the ship to hold serve to get to 1-2 but the damage was down. Both players then dominated on serve, and try as he may, Greg could not make in-roads on Jasika's serve, and games went with serve for the remainder of the set, with Jasika serving out the set 6-4, to win a close fought, high intensity, good quality match 6-4, 6-4.
Greg was naturally disappointed but said they had both played a high level of tennis and he was pleased with his performance, but rueing the opportunities he was denied, albeit due to Jasika's good play rather than any errors Greg had made.
Greg will stay in Canberra for the second of the two Futures tournaments to be played next week.

Australian Autumn 2017 - Canberra #3

On a surprising windless day in Canberra Greg was up against big serving Victorian  Dayne Kelly. 26 year old Kelly, currently ranked 369, has a 2-1 win record against Greg, having won their last two encounters last year, and is in good form having won the Futures title on grass last week in Mildura.
Serving first Greg was quick off the mark, breaking Kelly and going to a 3-0 lead. Kelly then held to love but Greg was serving well and had no trouble in serving out the rest of the set, to win it 6-3.

Greg serving for the "pot of Gold"

He then had a frustrated Kelly facing break points at 15-40 in the first game of the second set but Kelly responded and a few big serves saw him get out of trouble. Then at 3-2 Kelly had Greg in trouble at 0-40, breaking Greg on the second opportunity to lead 4-2. He consolidated to go 5-2 up, forcing Greg to serve to stay in the set. Greg saved two break points to get back to deuce but Kelly applied the pressure, bringing up another set point in Greg's serve, this time converting to win the set 6-2. One set all.
Greg was not done though, and at 1-1 in the third set he broke Kelly to take the advantage and lead 2-1. Kelly hit back, forcing Greg to 15-40 but Greg was serving well, getting back to deuce then holding serve to lead 3-1. He broke an agitated Kelly again to go 4-1 up. Greg was playing with confidence now and two love service games later closed out the match, winning the third set 6-2, for a 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 win, to advance to the quarterfinals.
Greg said he had served and played well, and was pleased with the win. He had managed to shake off the effects of his fall yesterday, and although his knees showed signs of bruising, he was able to play through some early stiffness and moved better and better throughout the match.

Australian Autumn 2017 - Canberra #2

After a good hit-out in the doubles but a disappointing loss, it was singles next for Greg in the first of two Futures tournaments in Canberra. He had avoided a seed in the first round, up against 22 year old Queenslander Thomas Fancutt, with a family back ground in tennis, currently ranked 679 in singles.
In 30 knot wind, gusting to over 40 knots, and with Fancutt serving first, Greg got off to a great start, breaking Fancutt twice to go a double break up at 3-0. Seemingly in control Greg then only won one more game in the set against a resurgent Fancutt, dropping serve three times to go from 3-0 to 3-1, then 3-3, before steading to level at 4-4, but then dropping serve again to lose the set 6-4.
Greg knuckled down in the second set and held serve early on to get to 2-2, then he broke Fancutt to go a break up, serving a love game to consolidate the break at 4-2. He maintained the ascendency, serving out the set 6-4, levelling the match at one set all.

Thomas Fancutt, pictures here on
grass at Mildura

Serving first again, in the third set, Fancutt held serve to lead 1-0. Then chasing a wide ball Greg's one foot stuck in the clay whilst the other slid, causing Greg to go down hard on the court surface, banging the inside of both knees in an ungainly fall. Greg thought he had torn a ligament or torn a muscle and it was a few seconds before he gingerly got to his feet. The umpire called for the physio and Greg took a medical time-out delay while she assessed him to see if he was injured. Luckily it appeared as if he was just a bit bruised and there was no injury.
When play resumed, Greg was a bit wary of moving too much and Fancutt capitalised and managed to break Greg to lead 2-0. Despite Fancutt serving three aces in the next game Greg played more aggressively, trying to keep the points shirt. He fought back and broke Fancutt, to get to 1-2, only to be broken again in the next game to again trail by a break at 1-3. Then Fancutt gifted Greg another opportunity to break back by serving two double faults in the next game, and Greg seized the opportunity to get back and level at 3-3. With the momentum now his way Greg broke Fancutt again to lead 5-3. Fancutt held serve to force Greg to serve for the match at 5-4 but Greg was up to the task, winning the set 6-4, coming from a set down to win the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
Another blustery Canberra day, on the clay, with a mixed performance but a good first up win.

Australian Autumn 2017 - Canberra #1

After almost a month of recuperation and training to get match fit again, whilst getting the requisite hitting, Greg decided his knee injury was healed enough and it was time to hit the pro-circuit again. The qvenue was the clay courts at Lyneham Tennis Centre in Canberra.
It was doubles first for Greg, and Kiwi partner Rubin Statham, up against the No. 4 seeds, Queenslanders Maverick Banes and Gavin van Peperzeel.

Maverick Banes

In a close fought match Greg and Rubin were unable to take the few sudden death chances they created and were then broken to go behind at 4-2. Two live games later they were back level at 4-4. Games went with serve to 6-6, and similarly both team held severe in the tie-break to get to 5-6, where Greg and Rubin saved set point. They were unable to capitalise on a set point at 7-6 and then were the first to blink, dropping serve to lose the tie-break 10-8.


Gavin van Peperzeel

The second set followed the same pattern at the start, Greg and Rubin unable to take two sudden death deuce service break opportunities, then finding themselves a break down. This set they were unable to recover the deficit and were broken again at the death, to lose the match 7-6(8), 6-2.An inauspicious start to his return but his body and knee responded well, coming through the match unscathed. Singles tomorrow.

Australia in the Summer 2017 - Launceston #1

Launceston, just two hours from Burnie in Tasmania was the venue for the next Challenger tournament. Greg, seeded 3 in qualifying, was up against hot junior Australian 16 year-old, Matthew Dellavedova, who has already attained an ATP ranking. Greg will have been confident of a win going into the match, except that he had picked up inflammation of the left patella during the previous week, which had not disappeared as he hoped after a days rest.

Junior Matt Dellavedova

Greg put Dellavedova under early pressure but was not able to bring up a break point opportunity and Delladedova held serve. Games went with serve to 3-3, despite Greg serving at well below 50%. Dellavedova was then able break Greg, going up 4-3, then fending off Greg's attempts to fight back, to go 5-3 up. Greg held for 5-4, then took an injury time out to have his left knee taped. He returned more confident in his movement but was unable to prevent Dellavedova from winning the set 6-4. 
After some more treatment during the set break Greg came out with renewed energy and movement, serving four first sets in winning the first service game, then breaking young Dellavedova easily to go 2-0 up. But he was unable to keep up the momentum and Dellavedova hit back, breaking Greg in getting back level at 2-2. Greg battled on, but with his knee not getting better and hindering his movement, he decided that prudence was required, and with the score at 4-3 in Greg's favour, and he retired from the match. 
Greg was naturally disappointed but could see no point in perhaps doing even more harm to his knee, whilst unsure if he could finish the match, or backup the next day and the rest of the week, with the chance of being off for an extended period. The on-site physio backed up his decision, saying he was worried that Greg was going to damage his knee further. He advised Greg to take a week off then test his knee before starting light training. So ends his Tasmanian tour this year.
Greg took himself off on a drive past Wine Glass Bay, then along the coast to Hobart, a city he had never been to despite 10 years or so of playing tournaments on the northern Tasmanian coast. He stayed overnight being a tourists, even visiting the "MONA" Museum, before flying back to Melbourne.

Australia in the Summer 2017 - Burnie #5

A little less than 90 minutes and Greg and Chris were back on court for their second round doubles match, the third match of the day for a tired Chris. They were up against the second seeded pairing of Aussie Jarryd Chaplin and New Zealander Ben Mclachlan. Both 24 years old, and from an American Collegiate tennis background, they have concentrated their efforts on the doubles stage and are both currently ranked just under 190, Ben having won six Futures doubles titles in 2016 and Jarryd having won twice. Greg and Jarryd have known each other since school days, having trained together at Homebush when juniors, and are still good friends. Greg and Chris will need to perform at their best, again in a stiff Bernie "breeze".

NSW's Jarryd Chaplin

Both teams managed to save deciding deuce point in getting the score to 2-2, with Jarryd and Ben just shading their opponents in holding serve. Serving with the old balls in the seventh game, they forced Greg and Oaks to 0-40, and staring down four break-points in the sudden death format, Greg and Oaks were able to save the first two points but were unable to prevent the break, giving up a vital break of serve to trail 3-4. Jarryd and Ben quickly held for 3-5, and shut out their opponents again to hold again at 5-4 to win the set 6-4.

Kiwi Ben Mclachlan

Jarryd and Ben were serving well, and they gave away little in getting the score to 3-3 in the second set. Again on the seventh serve Greg and Oaks came under pressure, giving up a break point opportunity which was seized by their opponents, who went ahead 4-3. They again held easily to lead 5-3 and this time they broke Greg and Oaks again the pouch the second set 6-3 and win the match in straight sets.
Greg was disappointed but said they had played well in difficult conditions, having backed up agaisnt a well established and fresher doubles pairing, with Oaks playing his third match of the day.
On to Launceston for weekend qualifying and next week's tournament.
 

Australia in the Summer 2017 - Burnie #4

After a delay of three days due to the rain, having originally being scheduled to play on Monday, Greg and partner, 22 year-old Australian Chris "Oaks" O'Connell, took to the court for their first round doubles match. Chris would be backing up from his earlier singles match, which he unfortunately lost, and if they won the first round doubles match they would have to play again that evening. Three matches in a day at Pro-Tour level is a tough ask.

Partner Chris O'Connell

Their opponents for this first round clash were fellow Aussies Blake Mott and Maverick Banes, who earlier in the day had played against each other in the QF round of the singles, with Mott the victor. Greg & Oaks were quick out of the blocks, breaking Mott and Banes in the first service game and then going 2-0 up. Mott and Banes hit back, breaks it back to level at 2-2. Greg and Oaks again broke their opponents but again were pegged back, and in the end were grateful to take the set to the tie-break after twice having the advantage in the set.

Maverick Banes

In the breaker it was Mott and Banes who got the early mini-break but Greg and Oaks broke back to change ends at 3-3. They then went ahead 5-3, and had a set point, only to be broken and again change ends level at 6-6. They proceeded to break their opponents again and this time, on their own serve, managed to secure the tie-break 8-6, winning the set 7-6.

Blake Mott

The second set was just as competitive, with both teams struggling to master the gusty wind conditions, and again it was Greg and Oaks who secured the first break of serve. Mott and Banes fought back and in a topsy-turvey set of five service breaks, it was Greg and Oaks who saved more break points, only getting broken twice to their opponents three times, to win the second set 6-3, and run out deserved winners having been ahead on the score board for much of the match. 
A good first up pairing for Greg and Chris the a solid straight sets win, with another match to come.

Australia in the Summer 2017 - Burnie #3

Burnie Tennis Centre

The blustery Burnie wind had built to almost gale force by the time Greg and his opponent, young 20 year old Australian Blake Mott, took to the court in the late afternoon. Mott had taken a short sabbatical from tennis, but having decided that tennis was better than renovating houses, he had returned to the courts and was in good form, surprising everyone by qualifying for the Australian Open main draw. Very similar to compatriot Alex Bolt, amazingly.
Serving first Greg had 40-15 in the first game but Mott pegged him back to deuce and then brought up four break points. Greg was unable to find a first serve but still managed to save three of the break points, but alas Mott won the game, taking an early advantage in the set. He held serve to love and then again brought up break point on Greg's serve, again converting to lead 3-0. Greg took the game to Mott but was unable to break Mott, who led 4-0, and went on to win the remainder of the games to win the first set decisively 6-0.

Australian Blake Mott

Greg readjusted and got his first serve firing, not easy in the extremely blustery conditions, and managed to get on the board at 1-0. Mott was also serving well, at above 70%, and together both players gave up no break-point opportunities in getting to 5-5. Then, despite starting the game with an ace, Greg was forced to face break point by Mott, and was unable to save the point, giving Mott a decisive break to lead 6-5. Greg desperately tried to fight back but a few close line calls went the way of Mott and Mott won the game, to win the second set 7-5 and the match 6-0, 7-5.
Not the best first set for Greg, who struggled to get his big game going in the high wind, and was unlucky not to get to the tie-break in the second set. Greg expressed his frustration with the wind afterwards and was hoping for better conditions for the doubles match scheduled for the next day.
Footnote: Mott continued his winning ways, getting to the final, where he lost to Omar Jasika in straight sets

Australia in the Summer 2017 - Burnie #2

Sunday in Burnie saw Greg waiting for the other matches to finish before taking to court in the late afternoon for the final qualifying round. Seeded No.4 Greg was up against another young Australian, 21 year old Jacob Grills, currently ranked 1033, but with a high rank of 529. Greg will have to serve well to be in this match.
And he did start well, holding serve to love, breaking Grills to love, then holding to love again, winning the first 14 points to go out to a 3-0 lead. Grills then managed to steady the ship, getting a few points on the board and winning the game to get on the board at 1-3. Then at 4-2, Greg stumbled, Grills forcing him to deuce, then breaking Greg on the third break point to get back on serve. Both players then held serve before Greg forced Grills to face set point at 4-5. Grills denied Greg, saving break point to level at 5-5, then going to the tie-break at 6-6.
In the tie-break it was Greg who got the first mini-break to change ends at 4-2. He the held serve and broke Grills again to have 4 set points at 6-2. But Grills had more to say, saving those points, denying Greg again to change ends at 6-6. Greg dug deep bringing up another set point st 7-6. Grills saved on his serve to level. Then Greg broke Grills to have another set point on his serve this time at 8-7, only for Grills to break back again to level to 8-8. Greg served to bring up his seventh set point at 9-8, this time breaking Grills serve again to win the tie-break 10-8, and the first set 7-6. Whew

Aussie Jacob Grills

After that hectic first set the serve stats of both players dropped to around 55% but games still went with serve until 3-2, Grills advantage. Then he forced Greg to defend three separate reak-points. Greg rose to the challenge, saving two, but was unable to prevent Grills from breaking, going 2-4 down in the process. Greg looked to be tiring as Grills raced to a 5-2 lead. Greg forced him to serve for the set by getting the score to 5-3. And he was not done in the set, breaking Grills to get back on serve at 5-4 and giving himself an opportunity to win the match in straight sets. He held serve with renewed vigour and then forced Grills to defend break-point at 5-5. Grills responded again though, denying Greg and winning the game to transfer the pressure onto Greg, forcing him to serve to stay in the set at 5-6. Greg recovered from 0-30 to get to game point but Grills levelled the score and brought up break-point, seizing the set point opportunity to win the set 7-5 and level the match at one set a piece.
So into the third set with Grills having the advantage of serving first, with new balls. But Greg had other ideas about that, attacking from the start of the set and breaking Grills, then holding serve to go 2-0 up. Greg then surprised Grills with some excellent serving, both players serving at over 70%, to only drop three points on his serve in the set, maintaining his break advantage over Grills to quickly get the score to 5-3. With Grills serving to stay in the set and the match, Greg applied pressure and forced Grills to 15-40, bringing up three set points. Greg gratefully converted at the first opportunity, winning the third set 6-3 and an eventful 2hour 35 minute match 76(8), 5-7, 6-3.
On reflection Greg could have won the first set a lot quicker after dominating the early part of the match and having six set points before thankfully winning the seventh, without giving up a set point against himself at the same time. He struggled to maintain any consistency and focus in the beginning of the second set, but was able to lift himself to challenge for the set in the latter stages, then was totally focussed and in the zone in the third, displaying good mental fortitude, resilience and a degree of match fitness after quite a long lay-off with injury.
And he qualified for the Main Draw for the singles.