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Ilija Steps Up into the Final Round of
Qualifying
New recruit
Ilija Vucic has been getting some match
practise ahead of the official start of the
MCTA on September 4th. Playing
in the qualifying of the Tropicana British
Tour Men’s Singles event in Nottingham Ilija
cruised through the first round beating A.
Webb from Britain 6–2 6 -2. A great
result for the young Serb as he is currently
under going a touch fitness regime with MCTA
Physical Conditioner Jez Green in order to
be in top shape for September.
Despite
being fairly fatigued due to his fitness
programme Ilija took the initiative against
his second round opponent Ben Smith from
Great Britain. His serve and forehand led
the offence and coupled with great focus he
made easy work of the first set storming
through it 6-1.
It was a
different Ilija who took to the court in the
second set however. Taking a step back the
fifteen year old became too relaxed and was
unable to maintain his concentration as he
had done in the previous set. As his focus
slipped so did the second set, sliding by
1-6.
Serving at
1–3 15–40 in the final set Ilija began to
turn the match around. Applying himself
with true dedication and demonstrating a
complete desire to win he began to put the
pressure on Smith. Taking the initiative and
eventual control of the game Ilija finally
won the set 6 -4.
Ilija said:
“Overall
I’m happy with my performance because I
still managed to pull though the match
despite all the work I’ve been doing in the
gym, which to be honest, has left me a
little drained. I know all the effort I’m
putting in will only help me even more on
the Tour though so I’m not complaining!”
Ilija Vucic
beat Ben Smith 6-1 1-6 6-4 and now faces
Charlie Crisp in the third and final round
of qualifying tomorrow.
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