Week 12 - USA F11 ($15,000) - Calabasas, CA (Hard)

wolf · Tennis legend

Week 12 - USA F11 ($15,000) - Calabasas, CA (Hard)

paulisi · Tennis legend

Another tough draw for Alex, with either Darian King(4) or Tiafoe(who won last week) in the next round

Shhh · Challenger level

R1: Alex Ward WR319 d. LL Walker Duncan (USA) 5-7 6-2 6-3 UNR

R2: Alex Ward WR319 vs SE Francis Tiafoe (USA) WR800

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

So Alex's tricky 1st round opponent withdraws, the seed in his section loses in R1 by retirement. Are the fates conspiring to make this Alex's week. Really hope so.

Having said that Tiafoe, although only 17, has had a Junior CH ranking of 2, so this is not going to be an easy match for Alex. He also won the 15k last week as a WC winning the final 1&2.

Shhh · Challenger level

He's gotta be tired Bob, he's gotta be tired

Josh · Challenger level

Seems like he didn't have to work as hard as might have in round 1 though given this report of King quitting halfway through the match!

twitter.com/TheTennisNerds/status/581067227119689728/photo/1

4-3 Ward on serve in 1st set.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Alex lost the 1st set but fought back to win the 2nd. However, Tiafoe has just gone an early break up in the decider.

Alex at 0-2*

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

But Alex breaks straight back. We are on serve again.

Alex *1-2

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Alex needs to pull a rabbit out of the hat now as Tiafoe serves for the match at *5-3

paulisi · Tennis legend

Tiafoe serving for the match 5-3

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Not to be as the youngster seems to have too much staying power for his own good. Does he never get tired ?

Tiafoe wins 6-4 3-6 6-3 Especially tough, given that Alex won more points overall in the match at 87/84

paulisi · Tennis legend

Poor Alex has not had a great start to the year, mind you he's not had the greatest of draws.