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Marathon Matches for Ilija Vucic
The
Tropicana British Men’s Singles Event at
Nottingham
 MCTA
player Ilija Vucic had to compete in both
his last round of qualifying and first round
main draw match today in the Tropicana
British Tour Men’s Singles event at
Nottingham. In the middle of an intensive
fitness regime in preparation for the
Academy’s start in September, Ilija had to
also contend with two three set matches,
requiring all the mental and physical
strength the young Serbian could muster.
Defeating Charlie Crisp from Britain 4-6 7-6
6-2, Ilija went on to face Tom Williams also
from Britain in the first round of the main
draw. Despite a gallant effort the number
two U18 ranked Serbian player ended up
bowing out of the match 4-6 6-4 7-5.
Ilija’s third round qualifying match against
Crisp began disappointingly as he struggled
with his opponent’s serve in the first set.
Losing it 4-6, Ilija started to stand
further back to return in the second set and
it paid off. Making his returns he was able
to become much more involved in the rallies
and a rain break half way though the set
gave him to time to re evaluate his game
plan.
Taking the set to 6-6 Ilija threw in some
short balls in the tiebreak. This unsettled
Crisp as he struggled with his movement up
and down the court. Eventually winning the
tiebreak 7-5 Ilija flew through the final
set 6-2.
Back on court for his next match, Ilija’s
movement in the first set was understandably
below par. At 1-1 in the first set he lost
his serve and unable to break back he lost
the opening set 4-6.
The second set carried on in a similar style
to the first. Broken in the opening game
the odds did not look good. However,
Ilija’s movement started to improve and
although Williams had a tough first serve
Ilija managed to break twice winning 7-5 and
forcing the match into a final set.
Despite the momentum being in Ilija’s favour
at one set all he was once again broken in
the opening game. He served well but
Williams upped the tempo and caused Ilija to
get frustrated with himself. Still he broke
back but a tough line call at 5-5 caused him
to falter. Believing he had served an ace
Williams called the ball out and unable to
get the unfortunate line call out of his
mind Ilija double faulted at the crucial
moment and went on to lose both the game and
the set 5-7.
Ilija said, “I am disappointed with the
result because I know I am the better player
and even though I was tired I really wanted
to win this match.”
Still the MCTA player showed great spirit
and determination throughout his matches at
Nottingham and the future looks bright for
the fifteen year old.
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