Rich’s second round opponent was the gifted left hander Marcus Willis who had put out Daniel Cox the day before after being a set and 4-1 down. Rain meant that the tournament started indoors on the acrylic courts which are very different from grass. Rich kept up his good form from the day before to win the first set 6-3.

Rich had an opportunity to break Willis again at the beginning of the second set but Willis hung on and the match ebbed and flowed throughout the second set. Willis began to find his best form especially on the big points. Richard kept up the pressure with some superb attacking play but Willis stayed right with him until at 4-4 Willis broke Rich’s serve with some inspired passing shots. Willis now had the momentum and his tennis was almost faultless as he closed out the second set 6-4 and went on to win the third 6-2.

Rich can be proud of his week, playing 5 matches and regaining his ATP singles ranking. Toby and partner Michael Ward got into the doubles only to lose narrowly to Josh Goodall and Andrew Fitzpatrick 6-4 6-4. Toby goes to Newcastle ITF while Rich goes to the $10k at Frinton.

Things we learnt this week!
•    Jim is an amazing cook! Pasta with pesto and Tesco’s finest hamburgers is the preferred diet at the Northern tournaments.
•    There is nothing to be intimidated by at this level. Toby and Rich both picked up ATP rankings by playing in an aggressive but calm and relaxed frame of mind.
•    Ilkley is very pretty and not that different to Bath.