A Perfect Start

Newest recruit Oscar Podlewski has so far had a perfect start to his MCTA career.  Competing in Texas, in the El Paso Junior ITF tournament, he stormed through qualifying and is already through to the second round of the main draw.

Defeating Eddie Konrad 6-0 7-6 (4) in the first round of qualifying he brushed past Michel Abundis in the final round 6-2 6-1 to gain entry into the main draw.

Unsurprisingly the nerves set in, in what was already Oscar’s third match of the tournament.  Facing Ian Laster from the USA the London player got off to a slow start.  Despite repeatedly going a break down in the opening set he managed to break back each time.  At 4-5 30-40 down Oscar was forced to save a set point before getting back on track and taking the first set 7-5.

With one set on the scoreboard Oscar was much more at ease in the second.  As a result he relaxed and his shots began to flow.  This time he didn’t allow Laster to break his serve and instead broke him in the final game of the match, winning he second set 6-3.

Oscar said, “For me the turning point was being set point down, after I clawed my way back it really pumped me up and from then on I didn’t look back.  I’m relieved to have won and although I didn’t play my best at least I got the job done.  I’ll learn from the mistakes I made in this match.”

Oscar now joins team mate Ilija Vucic in the second round after Ilija, who is seeded 1, beat Shaun Berstein from the USA 6-4 6-3.  Meanwhile Anna Fitzpatrick (number 3 seed) is also through to the second round of the girls draw after a bye in the first.