In the qualifying round and Rich played Toby’s first round opponent from last week, Joss Espasandin from Switzerland. The Swiss must be getting sick of being drawn against MCTA/TEAMBATH players as he lost to Rich as he had to Toby. Espasandin started brightly enough winning the first set 7-6. Rich had many chances to win the set but responded well to the disappointment by breaking  Espasandin’s serve and running away with the set 6-2. During the set the Swiss fell awkwardly and appeared to be hampered in his movement. It made no difference as Rich hit top gear to win the final set 6-2 and qualify for the Main Draw.

The Main Draw pitted Rich against Indian Divij Sharan and Toby against George Morgan, the Wimbledon Boys Doubles finalist from Sunday. Rich was up first and it soon became clear that he was having a special day! Sharan, a left handed serve volleyer repeatedly found his volleys whipped past him. Rich broke his serve to lead 3-1 and never looked back. His passing shots were too accuarate and his first serve too consistent for a player who had reached the quarter finals in Manchester. Rich won 6-2 6-2 and wins an ATP point to match Toby’s.

Next up was Toby’s encounter with Morgan. In near perfect conditions Toby struggled to find his form and dropped the first set 6-4. A sloppy service game at 2-2 in the second set gave Toby the break and he held on to win the set 6-4. At 2-1 down in the final set it began to rain and after a very long break the match resumed indoors. Unfortunately Toby dropped his serve immediately at the restart and was unable to hold serve again as Morgan ran out the winner 6-2.