Week 31 - Challenger ($100,000) - Vancouver, Canada (Hard)

HowardDubai · Junior player

RE: Week 31 - Challenger ($100,000) - Vancouver, Canada (Hard)

thejester · Satellite level

Dan hands a break back with some loose serving, just needs to keep his head and he'll be fine.

scottie1 · Futures level

whatever happens dan must know himself he can play at this level

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

That's two stunning backhand winners from Rochus in the last few games

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Very very impressive

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

Bob in Spain wrote:
Very very impressive

Yep - a real pleasure. And his biggest points haul of the year . . . smile

thejester · Satellite level

And that's the match. Dan breaks again at 5-2 to seal a 6-4 6-2 victory. All in all that was more comfortable certainly than I expected against a former top 30 player currently inside the top 150. Great stuff from Dan and this week just went from a decent week to a very good week. Fingers crossed he's still playing like this in a few hours time.

stevemcqueen · Futures qualifying

I only watched the 2nd half of the 2nd set, but Dan was hugely impressive. Measured agression whenever possible. Excellent!

He was only on court for 70 minutes, so he will be quite fresh for the semis.

RJA · Hall of fame

Very good performance from Dan. Rochus was much better than he was last week against Ward and at times reminded us what a lovely tennis player he can be, even if his body isn't really there for him any more. Dan doesn't however have to take a back seat to many when it comes to tennis skills and always looked the stronger player in this match. Next match should be a sterner test but playing like that he will have a decent shot.

steven · Tennis legend

Whatever else might have happened in the last two weeks, wonderful intensity and commitment from Dan in that match - this will be his first Challenger semi-final since Bath in March 2011 and if he can continue playing like that on anything like a consistent basis, we won't have to wait that long for the next one!

This must now be his best tournament outside the UK (I'll check)

Coup Droit · Tennis legend

And a bit early to say but looks like he'll be taking on another 'old man' - Bobby Reynolds (age 31) is 6-0 3-2* up.

Saw him play at Wimbly Qualies - lots of experience, good solid tennis, you had to respect it - but nothing for Dan to be scared of - in fact, I think it'll suit him.

Bob in Spain · Tennis legend

Could be a late night for all of you back in Good Ol' Blighty.

Brazil isn't the best place to be, but sometimes being 4 hours behind the UK has its advantages.

stevemcqueen · Futures qualifying

Yes, it could indeed be a late night especially as we all want Dancevic v. Reynolds to go into a 3rd set. It is currently 4-3 with serve....

HowardDubai · Junior player

Not so good being in Dubai. 3 hours ahead of UK and Sunday first day of our working week so heading to bed. Hope to wake up to more British success. Night all.

steven · Tennis legend

It is indeed Evo's biggest points haul outside the British Isles (Jersey's not in the UK - oops! wink ) - the previous best was Lexington 2009 where he also made the SFs, though that was on the old points system.