TomBs def. Crotale13 6-4 6-7 (6) 6-1
Great match. 1st set started with Crotale holding serve to love with good aggressive play. I immediately knew it was going to be tough. I held to make it 1-1, and subsequently broke to 2-1. It then went on serve to 4-3, when Crotale decided it was time to break back. On his serve I then managed to get into the points and regain the break, followed by a serve hold to take the set.
In the second set I again took an early break, but Crotale, unwilling to surrender without putting up a fight, leveled things up straightaway. With me targetting his backhand, and with Crotale hitting powerful shots - especially with the forehand - it went on serve to a tiebreak. Sides were changed in the tiebreak at the score of 4-2 to me. I went on to get 2 matchpoints at 6-4, of which the first on own serve. Crotale did well to get rid of the first one, but by hitting a sitter forehand out I blew the second myself. Crotale immediately took advantage to take it 8-6.
Crotale had the momentum and took a flying start to the 3rd set, immediately gaining 3 breakpoints. Suddenly I was trailing, but managed to wipe them all away and take the first game with 5 points in a row. Crotale was then heading for an easy service game as again he took a 40-0 lead. But again he couldn't finish the game and after many deuces I took the break. Knowing I had been in that same situation in both previous sets, but still had him coming back on both occassions, I had to keep focussing. I held serve for a 3-0 lead, followed by a solid hold from Crotale. This time I managed to grab a 4-1 lead though, and as I broke Crotale once more I had a nice lead to serve for the match. I did so on the first occassion.
Stats:
Crotale (Cannon) - TomBs (Bishop)
4-6 7-6(6) 1-6
91% 1st Serve % 79%
55%
Win % on 1st Serve 88%
90% Win % on 2nd Serve 70%
0
Aces 0
0 Double Faults 1
43
Winners 92
11 Unforced Erros 25
2/10
Break Points 5/11
92
Total Points Won 110