Webster-Jones holds nerve against Legg at Australian Open Qualifying
Hobart youngster through to play veteran Tony Blom in second qualifying round
With the first yachts arriving from the Sydney-Hobart and the food festival starting at the Taste of Summer, the summer season has now begun as the first matches of the Real Tennis Australian Open have now begun at the Hobart Real Tennis Club.
The first and only match of the day saw the first round of qualifying between Hobart club members Sammy Legg and Darcy Webster-Jones, both looking to qualify for their first Open main draw. It was on a court still in the midst of Australian Open preparation, with unpainted plaster on the service battery wall and a half-painted main wall adding to the complications of a notoriously difficult court.
Legg had the early advantage, winning the toss and using it to notch up the first two games. But once Webster-Jones was able to lay his first chase, he was able to use his target hitting to run through the next four games. Both players were keen to hit to their opponent’s backhand as any balls on the forehand were easily cut into Hobart’s severe back wall. Webster-Jones let Legg back into the set, showing his frustration after a series of unlucky bounces, turning into a series of unforced errors. However, Legg couldn’t capitalise, making several unforced errors of his own in the 5-all game to hand the set to Webster-Jones.
The second set was a nervy affair, not helped by Hobart’s back penthouses producing several flush back walls. The scoreboard pressure took its toll on both players as the lead see-sawed throughout. Ultimately Legg handled the pressure better, getting a good width on his thick boast and finding a run of good high serves.
The momentum swung once again at the start of the third set. Webster-Jones cut down his unforced errors and found Hobart’s postage stamp grille several times as he built a commanding lead in the set. His straight drives at the dedans on the return of serve volley was also impressive. Meanwhile Legg struggled to find ways to kill the point, and his serve quality noticeably deteriorated. Webster-Jones won the last four games of the set to close out the match.
Webster-Jones now moves on to the final qualifying round against Tony Blom on Sunday 5th January at 10am AEDT.
Match Results:
12pm: Sammy Legg lost to Darcy Webster-Jones 5/6 6/3 2/6
Order of play for Sunday 5th January:
10am: Darcy Webster-Jones vs Tony Blom