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.