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