Alexander played four matches, at Oxted today, 28c and high humidity (in Surrey!!).

1st = 6 games/ 2nd = 6 games /3rd  =11 games /  4th = 6 games

Total: 29 games Today.

For the first match, Alexander played  a boy, who was significantly older than him, around fifteen years old!! Alexander served well, and returned with ferocity, and it was great to see aggression within his game!! Final result: 0 – 6.

Alexander’s second match, his opponent was around Alexander’s age and stature!! Alexander gave a good effort, but it was still a loss 0 -6.

Alexander’s third match, resulted in the best effort and two points in it !! His opponent was another fifteen year old boy !! This match was so enthralling, Alexander serves, were far more superior, than his oponent’s!! Alexander ‘pushed’ the other player back, to the far end of the court, and won points for doing this!! Alexander played ‘his’ shots well, and with confidence. So much so, he was in front, however his opponent came back, and then level, with fives games all. Then it went to a ‘tie-break’, and it seemed Alexander would at last win the match, (to boost his rating to a 10.1, and far more importantly his confidence !!). Alexander was 4 – 1 ahead in the ‘tie-break’, then his opponent came back to win the ‘tie-break’ 7 – 5, which had been very disappointing, for us all, especially Alexander.   So at the end of match, Alexander lost 5 – 6.

Understandably, Alexander was very upset, however the match had been very close, and the boy’s age had the edge over Alexander. The boys who are winning matches against Alexander are a few years older than Alexander (stronger and taller too!!).  It will show, that at fourteen/fifteen, Alexander will be even better than the older players, he is playing now  !!

The LTA system does need to change, to provide a fairer chance between ages of the players. However playing people who are older, does ‘up’ anyone’s  game!!

The final match Alexander played, was once again, against another boy (around fourteen years of age). By this time, Alexander had given everything he had, (during his third match), he had a little extra to give for his fourth match, but it just wasn’t enough, and so the result was 0 -6.

Alexander’s game has vastly improved, especially his serve, and trying out his other shots, especially at the net. Aexander, does need to just wait to spot where the ball lands, ( as the ball may be ‘out’!!), rather than trying to smash the ball, (or go for the ball in mid-air!!) too soon !!

Victory for Alexander is imminent…and the breakthrough is just over the horizon!!

Alexander’s third match today, was ultimately his best match, so far this year!! His game is coming together, very significantly!!