Sid’s blog:

Coming from a victory in Scotland ITF, I felt really confident going into Newcastle and felt that I could possibly add another tournament  
win to my name. I knew that it would be tough though as lots of good players were in the tournament, including the other Teambath players: Toby Martin, Max England and Stephen ‘Claw’ Crawshaw.

The tournament got going and I came through a tough first round against Roy Brandys from Poland. He played a very good 1st set and i got an ass whooping 61! But I knew if I kept with him and fought hard I would finally break him and I did and went on to win the next two sets 62 64.

Day two came along and I was up against the Belgian number 1 seed. Usually I may have been intimidated by this but I was not letting this happen again and I played two good tough sets and ended up winning a comfortable 62 62. I was very happy with my focus as there was a lot of controversy and gamesmanship throughout the match from my opponent.

Quarterfinal day and it was incredibly windy. I was playing another Brit who had just had a very good win so I went into the match expecting a tough one. In about half an hour I went 62 52 up!!  But, a lapse of concentration and a little bit of tightness from myself and we were level at one set all. But I managed to regain the momentum and closed the match out in the 3rd set 62. I knew I made the match a lot tougher then need be, but I thought I did well to forget about the missed chances and knuckle down and eventually come through it.

Right, into the semis; I was playing a younger Brit who I knew was a good player and had, had some good results through the week. Despite not playing my best, I focused really well and handled the wind better than my opponent did and won 61 64.

Ahh… another final!! I'm starting to enjoy this I thought to myself.

Finals day came and again was a very blustery day. I was playing a Spanish guy who was a big unit and who knocked out Toby martin in the quarter finals and had cruised his way to the final. I expected a tough match, which is exactly what I got! The first set I started off slow but saved 5 set points from 52 down to take the set into a tie-break. I saved two set points at 6-5 and 7-6 in the breaker and now we were level pegging at 7 all. Big point: We rallied then I called a ball out which was definitely out, but the umpire disagrees. I show him a mark but he sticks to his decision and I went on to lose the set. Now at this point I was snapping! But, nevertheless I put my head down and kept fighting. I went 53 down in the 2nd but saved a match point and again another tie break was on our hands. I played a good breaker and I won it; 1 set all. 1 more set to win to win another ITF. The set started off badly from both our parts and we both struggled to hold serve. Then I made a breakthrough and went 53 up. I didn’t serve it out!!  So, 5 all, I had some break points but he played well on all of them and he held for a 65 lead. Bam!! Before I knew it the match was over. 76 67 75 and after 3 hours and 12 mins I had lost and I was gutted. Seriously gutted!!

But I knew I had a great two weeks and Life goes on and I went home had the washing done and Czech Republic here I come on the next day. No rest for the wicked hey...life of a pro and I love it!!

Sid




Macca’s blog:

Myself, Toby and Taz cruised up to Newcastle in the big 4x4 hire car. After a few hours of me and Toby sorting out English football we met up with Jimbo who was watching the guys battle it out in qualifying. It was very windy and tough conditions, which continued all week. However, it is a very nice club with good courts and good general facilities.

The main draw started on the Monday. Due to the draw being split only Toby and Max played; Toby won comfortably and put in a very good, professional performance. Max unfortunately lost a tight match to a young Italian; he battled hard but couldn’t quite pull through.

Sid, Taz and Steve ‘Claw’ Crawshaw all started on Tuesday. Sid was very confident having come off a great week in Edinburgh. However he didn’t have it all his own way and he had to fight back from a set down, but he did well to pull through. Taz lost in two close sets and struggled to really find her top gear. ‘Claw’ did not enjoy his two bagels and he lost comfortably!! They were all involved in doubles as well. Taz picked up her form and came through with her partner. The boys all lost theirs! However there was some good entertainment as claw and his partner (who became known as the big man!!) fought back from a set down, but eventually lost in the champions breaker. It was good to see ‘Claw’ put in a good performance.

Toby and Sid both won their second rounds comfortably and Taz won her doubles, so a successful day!

The quarter-finals were tough for the guys. Toby lost 6-3 in the third. It was a match that had more ups and downs than your average roller coaster!! Again, Toby fought hard (often against himself!!) but his Spanish opponent played very well at key times. Sid was winning his match comfortably, before switching off and letting his opponent back into, but then regained focus and closed the match out. Again, a very up and down match! Taz was in the semi-finals of the doubles, which unfortunately she lost. True to the day, it was close and could have gone either way. After a few controversial decisions, they narrowly lost in the 3rd set. By the end of the day, myself and Rox were ready for a stiff drink!

We stayed in the Carlton hotel all week, which was walking distance from the club. It is very handy to be able to stroll down to the club in the morning and it was very convenient for the players. As a group we took full advantage of the Pizza Express deals and between us I think we sampled most things on the menu!! Many interesting chats were had around the dinner table and the world was generally put to rights!!

Sid played a younger British guy in the semi finals and the conditions were very tough. He focused extremely well and played smart tennis considering the conditions. He came through 6-1 6-4 to make his second consecutive final!

In the final, Sid was playing the Spanish guy who beat Toby. The match turned into an epic!! After 3 hours of battling, both of them having their chances, the Spaniard eventually came out on top. It was a fantastic match and Sid really did himself proud.

Myself and Roxanne were really pleased with the players throughout the whole week. They were worked hard, competed well and were good fun to be around.

I hope the remainder of the summer can hold more successes for them all!

Macca