Round 2 of the Aegon GB Pro-Series saw 8 men’s singles matches take place at The Northumberland Club, Jesmond.
The day began with victories for Great Britain’s Jathan Malik and Neil Pauffley as well as Germany’s Peter Torebko. Malik, who will be 20 next month, was up against 23 year old Marcus Willis who holds a singles ranking of 369. The first set was incredibly close with Malik taking a 7-6 lead however the teenager became victorious after completing the second set 6-3.
24 year old Neil Pauffley from Slough took to the court against Jack Carpenter sweeping up a 6-3, 6-1 triumph.
Peter Torebko, who peaked his singles ranking in 2012 at 182, was up against 22 year old Australian Simon Ede. After two sets Torebko overthrew his opponent with a 6-1, 6-3 result.
Following this both 22 year old Ashley Hewitt and Ireland’s Daniel Glancy gained their success by scoring 6-4 in two consecutive sets against their opponents Great Britain’s Luke Bambridge and Australia’s Maverick Banes.
Next, Kyle Edmund, coached by Greg Rusedski, stole the show completing the first set with an impeccable 6-0 lead against 19 year old Jonny O’Mara. Despite the fact that their second set didn’t run smoothly, having to pause mid-way due to bad weather, O’Mara appeared on top form and did not allow Edmund an easy win. However, the final result was a 6-0, 7-6 victory for Edmund.
After that was the only match of the day to run into 3 sets between 25 year old Alexis Klegou from Benin and our very own Keelan Oakley. Although the first set saw 22 year old Oakley take the lead, Klegou made a remarkable comeback winning 2-6, 6-2, 6-1.
Unfortunately, the match between 23 year old Jake Eames, who started tennis aged 7, and Robert Carter, currently ranked 834 for singles, was postponed due to the weather. At this point the score was 6-4, 5-7 and the victory was anyone’s for the taking.
Due to the results from today the Quarterfinals on Thursday will see:
Kyle Edmund vs Peter Torebko
Ashley Hewitt vs Jathan Malik
Daniel Glancy vs Alexis Klegou
Neil Pauffley vs Jake Eames or Robert Carter
Play starts 10.00am with free entry to spectators.
Photo is Ashley Hewitt from Wednesday 7 May.
Report written by Lucy Bradley, student at Gateshead College