Aussie Autumn 2016 - Mornington F3 #3

Mornington entrecote courts

With a rest day in the singles on Wednesday, Greg still had a match to play in the doubles. His second round match with partner Andrew Whittington was to be a much sterner test than their first round match, up against the No.1 seeds, Stephen de Waard from Queensland and teenager Marc Polmans, also from the Kooyong Club in Melbourne along with Greg and Andrew. De Waard and Polmans had some good results last year and this year, climbing the rankings to be ranked 295 and 292 respectively, with seven Futures doubles titles won as a team.

Partner Whittington

On a much calmer day, but still with the wind very breezy, Andrew and Greg started well, breaking the No.1 seeds early to lead 3-0, then 4-1. They then broke again and, serving well throughout the set, served out the set 6-1.
The second set would prove much tougher though, both teams swopping breaks of serve in getting to the 5-5. Greg and Andrew were also forced to save deciding deuce point in consecutive serves early in the set, both times succeeding in denying their higher seeded opponents the break.  De Waard and Polmans then saved deciding break-point in the next game to go to 6-5, forcing Greg and Andrew to serve to stay in the set, which they did to go to the tie-break at 6-6. The last thing Greg and Andrew wanted was to play a match tie-breaker, so it was with much relief when they were able to get ahead early and stay ahead to get to 5-4 up. Their opponents broke back to level at 5-5 but Greg and Andrew then held serve to bring up match point, albeit on their opponents serve. The seized the opportunity to break again, to win the set tie-break 7-5, wrapping up the match in two sets 6-1, 7-6.
Greg said the wind was still blowing quite hard, but they hardly noticed it as it was a lot less wild than on Tuesday and he and Andrew were able to serve well and play good serve-and-volley tennis. So into the semi-finals in the doubles.

Aussie Autumn 2016 - Mornington F3 - #2

Partnering fellow Kooyong player Andrew Whittington, Greg again took to court on that extremely windy day in Mornington, in their first round doubles match. Their opponents were young Australians 18 year old Cody Brackenreg and 17 year old Michael Commings, both wild card recipients, as yet unranked in the Men's ATP rankings.

Scenic Mornington Peninsula

Greg and Andrew were slow off the mark, getting broken in their first game, in the short sudden death deuce format doubles format, the youngsters holding serve and going to a 2-0 lead. But Greg and Andrew hit back quickly, holding serve, then breaking their inexperienced opponents and then holding serve again, to go to 4-3 up. They then broke the younsters again and served out the set 6-3.

Using their strength and experience in the gale force conditions Greg and Andrew continued their dominance in the wind, Greg using the knowledge gained in his singles match to maintain composure. They were untroubled on serve in the second set and they broke their young opponents in their first two service games to go to a 4-0 lead. They then held serve and broke Brackenreg and Commings again, to win the second set 6-1, and the match 6-3, 6-1,to set up a tough second encounter against the No. 1 seeded pairing.

Aussie Autumn 2016 - Mornington F3 - #1

After a day driving back home from Mildura and another day to let his body recover further, whilst he arranged his equipment, with racquets to be balanced and strung, clay court shoes to be bought and arrangements to be arranged for the next tournament, it was back to work for Greg, with training, hitting and gym sessions working on his conditioning. He advanced into the Main Draw of the next Futures tournament thanks to a late withdrawal, so was relieved not to have to play in qualifying for the singles. 

The Mornington Peninsula

The next two Australian Futures tournaments were to be played on the Mornington Peninsula, the coastal region south of Melbourne, so although close to home for Greg, he could expect to contend with a lot of wind in the coming weeks. And it was on "en tout cas" (clay-like) surface, not his favourite. 
His first round singles match was against Australian teenager, 18 year old Daniel Hobart from Port Pirie, showing good form in being ranked 1060 in the ATP Men's rankings. Serving first in gusty, howling gale wind conditions, Greg held serve then created 9 break point opportunities on Hobart's serve, but gamely Hobart was able to hold serve, games going to 2-2. It was then Greg who faced break points and he was able to save the first to take the score to 3-3, but then, unlike Hobart, he was unable to save the break points against him, handing the advantage to Hobart, for him to lead 4-3, then 5-3. In the blustery conditions Hobart broke Greg for a second time, clinching the first set 6-3.
Undeterred, and unable to do anything about the wind, Greg maintained his composure and brought up more break point opportunities in Hobart's first service game of the second set, this time seizing the opportunity and breaking Hobart to lead in the set. Hobart hit back immediately, breaking Greg to level at 1-1. Greg repeated his break of Hobart to again lead 2-1, then did not offer up another break point in the set, holding serve then breaking Hobart again to lead 4-1, serving out the set to win the set 6-2, and level the match at one set all. 
The third set saw Hobart come from 0-40 down to win the first game. Although frustrated not being able to break, Greg held his composure, games going 2-2. Greg then broke Hobart in consecutive games to serve for the match at 5-2. There was still another twist in the match as Hobart fought back, breaking Greg to get a break back, 5-3 to Greg. Greg was determined not to have to serve for the match again in the blustery gale force wind conditions and in a mammoth game forced Hobart to deuce, then brought up four match point, before finally breaking Hobart to win the set 6-3, and win a match of survival 3-6, 6-2, 6-3.

Greg said that the windy conditions were the worst he can remember playing in. The clay court surface was being blown off court, playing decent tennis or trying to implement shots he had been working on in practise was impossible. At times it was down right dangerous, having to suddenly change direction on shots on the slippery surface due to the wind, Greg almost damaging his knee by having to twist and adjust suddenly due to the wind. Each shot or serve was a lottery as to where it would land, luckily more of his shots landed when he intends than those of Hobart.

They should have just played hop-scotch to decide the match.

 And he still had his doubles match to come later in the afternoon...

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #18

The view from the Corporate tent

Another 40 degree day faced the finalists in the Futures tournament in Mildura. It was a long wait for the Men, as the Ladies final progressed through three long sets and the men were forced to wait an hour longer, as the mercury continued to rise. Greg's opponent was the 5th seed, 25 year old Victorian Dayne Kelly, who has had his share of time-off with injury and other problems over the years. Those days appear to be behind Kelly though and he has been in good form lately, winning a Futures title on hard court in Wollongong in November, and is currently ranked 482. A strong player, with a consistent baseline game, a good serve and a strong forehand, Kelly also had the added factor of being left-handed, bringing different angles to his serve and play.
Greg again served first and competently held to lead 1-0, then put the pressure on Kelly to bring up two break points at 15-40, only for Kelly to deny him the break by winning four points in a row to level the score. It was then Kelly's turn to have Greg facing two break points on his serve. Greg was not serving as well as in previous games and was struggling to regularly land his first serve, saving one break point but losing the next to hand the advantage to Kelly, who then held serve to love to lead 3-1. Greg fought back, holding then breaking back the next game to level the set at 3-3. But with his first serve not firing, Kelly was able to put Greg under more pressure returning a lot of second serves, bringing up and converting break point again to lead 4-3. Greg fought hard to break back but Kelly was hitting his spots with his left-hand serve, holding serve to consolidate the break, then after Greg held his serve with two aces in the game, Kelly served out the set to love, winning it 6-4.

Leftie Dayne Kelly

After a short comfort break in the searing heat, Greg did not get off to a great start, Kelly breaking Greg in the first game to be able to dictate the match. Greg again fought back getting Kelly to 0-40 and having three break point opportunities but could not make any further progress, Kelly responding and reeling off five consecutive points to deny Greg again and go to a 2-0 lead. Games then went with serve to 4-2. Kelly then again had Greg facing break points at 15-40. Greg recovered to level at deuce, but then pressing too hard Greg served a double fault and presented Kelly with another opportunity which Kelly converted to go a double break out at 5-2 up. Greg saved two match points but was unable to stop Kelly, who won the set 6-2 and the Mildura 2016 Mens Grass Court title6-4, 6-2.
Greg said he was disappointed in his level of intensity at the start of the match, and his service overall, but thought the heat and long wait was a contributor to his slow start. He thought it may have been a different result had he managed to break Kelly in the second game of both sets but said Kelly had played well and had won the right points when the question was asked, Greg throwing in double faults or errors at crucial times. He was elated about his performance over the week, especially the way he played, his ability to stay focussed for longer periods and the way he had served. It was the first time he had played multiple matches in a week and had grown in confidence throughout the week. Most importantly, he had not experienced any fitness problems and had come through the week's tennis unscathed, with a decent haul of points which will help his battle to climb back up the rankings.
   

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #17

Mildura Lawn Tennis Club, Victoria

As the heat in Mildura increased to 40 degrees, the heat in the tournament was to increase for Greg as he faced the No.1 seed in the semi-finals. Former ITF Junior No.1 player and double Junior Grand slam winner, at Australian and Wimbledon on grass, Luke Saville was Greg's opponent. Still a work in progress on the Men's Tour, Saville has seven Futures titles to his name, including Mildura in 2014, and is currently ranked 188, with an eye on attaining the top 100 ranking in the near future. A real test for Greg, with Saville definitely the favourite.

Former ITF Junior No.1 Luke Saville

Greg served first and got on the board before taking the game to Saville and breaking in his first service game to lead 2-0. Saville fought back and broke Greg immediately, somewhat luckily Greg thought with some close calls and a shank winner, but still the score was even at 2-2 as Saville held serve. Games then going with serve to 4-3 in Greg's favour. As the heat increased, Greg was able to convert another break point opportunity he created on Saville's serve, to serve for the set at 5-3. Although forced to deuce Greg was able to hold serve and win the first set 6-3.

Greg in the semis at Mildura

Greg was keen to press his advantage and broke Saville again early in the second set, then holding his own serve without ado, to maintain a break lead, getting the score to 3-1, then 4-2, then 5-3 without facing a break point on his serve. Greg then forced Saville to defend match point on Saville's serve, breaking Saville again to snare the match 6-3, 6-3, and advance to the final.
Greg said he had played well. He had not served as well as the previous two days but had been solid from the back of court and had returned well against the big serving Saville. He was glad to get off court fairly quickly and avoid too much time in the searing afternoon Mildura heat.

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #16

Mildura Tennis Centre

 On another stinking hot day in Mildura, with temperatures predicted to soar to around 38 degrees, Greg faced up against the No. 4 seed in the quarter-finals. 23 year-old Queenslander Maverick Banes, currently ranked near his high ranking at 386 in the ATP, has two ITF Futures titles to his name, winning back to back tournament in Croatia in 2014, on clay. Hopefully, for Greg, Banes is not as good on grass as he is on clay. The two players have never played each other  in singles on the pro-circuit.
Greg served first, and got off to a good start. He then pegged back Banes from 40-15, winning four straight points to break Banes and go to an early 2-0 lead. Serving well with a high percentage of first serves, and also returning well against Banes, who was not serving badly, Greg was in the zone, as he proceeded to hold serve easily. He broke Banes twice more, to race through the first set, winning it impressively 6-0. A good score line but still only 1-0 up in sets, so Greg had to maintain his focus and intensity.

The trend did continue in the second set, as Greg improved his serving even more, holding then breaking Banes a fourth time, each break converted at the first opportunity, to go to a 3-0 lead. Banes managed to get on the score board, serving with new balls and holding to love. But, although Banes managed to get Greg to “30” twice in the following games, Greg was able to steady and hold serve, serving out the match at 5-3, to win a dominant match 6-0, 6-3.
It was an excellent match for Greg, his first serve percentage in the 70's, with 11 aces and no double faults, giving up no break point opportunities on his serve. He had also returned well and had dominated, wrapping up the match and getting off court as quickly as possible to avoid the draining heat.
He will play the semi-finals on Saturday.

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #15

Mildura on the Murray River

More extreme weather faced the players on Thursday in Mildura for the second round of the singles, with temperatures soaring to 36 degrees as Greg played his match. Greg's opponent was a young Australian wild card recipient, 17 year old Mislav Bosnjak, of Croatian heritage, currently unranked on the ATP, but just having gained his first ranking point by virtue of his first round win, over another wild card. Greg will be happy and confident with this draw, but a bit anxious against an unknown player with nothing to lose, whose game he will have to adjust to quickly.
Serving first Greg took full advantage of Bosnjak's nervousness, attacking and getting an early break. Greg was not serving well himself but managed to save a break point in getting to 4-1, then 5-2 up. Greg applied the pressure as Bosnjak served to stay in the set, breaking Bosnjak to snare he first set 6-2.

Teenager Mislav Bosnjak

Again with the advantage of serving first in the set, Greg served a couple of aces to start the set, his and Bosnjak's serves improving throughout the match, and games went with serve to 3-3. A slight lapse in concentration, coupled with the energy sapping heat, saw him miss a few first serves and have Greg facing break point. In the heat the last thing Greg needed was to go behind and face the prospect of playing a third set. He scrambled the next point, a good first serve and a solid forehand winner on the line seeing him save the point, for him to serve out he game, to lead 4-3. 
Greg then made his intent clear with positive attacking play, forcing Bosnjak to multiple deuces and break points, winning on the third opportunity to get the vital break, to lead 5-3. Greg was not going to give up another chance to Bosnjak, racing to 40-0, before claiming the set 6-3 on the third match point, winning the match 6-2, 6-3.
A good draw for Greg, after he disposed on the No.8 seed, and last years finalist, in the first round. He had taken the opportunity well, recording his second win in a row in a main draw for the first time in over 18 months.
Now for the quarter-finals.

Aussie Summer 2015-16 #14

The next tournament on the Australian Pro-circuit was in Mildura, in country Victoria, in the north-west corner of the state, near the South Australian and NSW borders. Situated right on the Murray River the picturesque town boast a quality grass court complex, which has hosted many Australian Pro-tour and Junior tournaments. On grass, a surface Greg describes as "fun to play on", as it is soft on the legs and feet and not damaging if you fall.
His opponent was the No.8 seed ,which, if you have to draw a seed, is the best of the bad bunch. 20 year-old Harry Bouchier, hails from Tasmania and is currently ranked 562. Greg had played many a match against Harry's elder brother Eddie in the juniors. Eddie attended college in the USA and has played some pro-circuit tournaments, attaining an ATP ranking, but generally leaves the pro-tennis to younger brother Harry, who he occassionally travels with and supports on tour. Greg and Harry have met once before, Harry winning on that occasion on hard court on a near gale force windy day in Adelaide.

The grass courts at Mildura

Harry served first and was the first to break through, a slow start from Greg seeing him serving at 0-3 down. In the next game Greg was staring at three break points at 0-40, but he managed to get back to deuce and then hold serve to get on the board at 1-3. He was unable to apply any pressure on Bourchier's serve though and Bourchier held serve to serve out the set 6-3.
Greg raced to 40-15 at the start of the second set, only for Bourchier to peg him back to deuce, then force break point and convert to take a strangehold on the match at as set and a break up, again easily holding serve to love to lead 2-0. Greg needed to lift, but again at 40-15, he allowed Bourchier back into the game and get to deuce. Greg was forced to save two break points to avoid what would have been a disastrous double-break. He eventually served an ace to finally hold serve and get to 1-2. 

Tasmanian Harry Bourchier

At this stage Greg  was not making any head way into Bouchier's service and Bourchier was picking off his serve, so Greg changed things up. He started standing in different places, then serving with different angles, trying to disrupt Bourchier's rhythm. He then brought up his first break point on Bourchier's serve, who might also have been a bit despondent at not achieving the vital second break of serve. Bourchier saved the first point but Greg managed to break back to level at 2-2, then quickly held serve to lead 3-2. At 4-3 Greg, growing in confidence and performance, especially on serve and return, broke Bourchier to lead 5-3, serving out the set 6-3 and levelling the match at one set all. '
Bourchier had the all important first service game in the third set and started well, but so did Greg, games going with serve to 2-2. Greg managed to stay close to Bourchier in the next game, then brought up break point at 30-40, converting the opportunity to grab a 3-2 lead. He the stepped up his game, winning his service game to love, to go to 4-2. He was in a groove now and did not face any break points in the third set, serving out the match with a ace, to win the third set 6-4, and a hard fought match 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.
A relieved Greg was pleased with the way the match had progressed, after a poor first set and some anxiety in the second set when he almost went a double break down. But he recovered well and was pleased to at last win a match at the end of a close third set.
Having not entered in the doubles Greg will next play on Thursday, in the second round of the singles.