To begin the Semi-finals Day, Alice Gillan faced Lauryn John-Baptiste. Gillan, the favourite and the winner of last week’s UK Pro League competition, was set to beat John-Baptiste. Baptiste, who came through her group in second place, only losing to Arina Vasilescu (who was defeated by Beth Grey in the Quarterfinals) in straight sets. However, John-Baptiste came out of the blocks with fire in her racket and ice in her heart. She took the first set 6-0 with ease in just 1 hour, completely dominating the Week 6 winner in every aspect of the game. Gillan, renowned for her powerful strokes, made just a few too many unforced errors. Against a contender such as John-Baptiste (who is one of the most consistent players playing this week) she was bound to find trouble. The second set was a little closer at the start, with the games tied 2-2. It was from this point that Gillan would not win another game, as her rhythm toppled and gave way for the 23-year-old. It ended 6-2, a confident and gracious performance by John-Baptiste. She will advance to the finals and will face Eliz Maloney. These two have faced one another recently at the 100k Shrewsbury event, in which John-Baptiste was beaten 6-1, 6-1 by Maloney, so it will be interesting to see how John-Baptiste adapts her game to try and get an advantage against the in-form Maloney.

The next match saw George Loffhagen take on Joshua Paris. It was a very tight game, with Paris taking the first set 7-6(5). Both players were using their dominant serves and brutal forehands in the first set to hold each and every one of their own service games. Loffhagen’s backhand was causing a few errors, which was very uncharacteristic of him. This allowed Josh Paris to play out of his skin to clinch the first set from Loffhagen. Was this going to be an upset? No, Loffhagen broke the first game of the second set. In the form that both these players were, all it takes is one break and the set is forgone. So, we saw another match tiebreak. Loffhagen’s backhand and serve was back to normal; he won 100% of points on his serve (6), whilst winning 4/6 return points. It was a truly dominant showing, ending 10-2. This was Loffhagen at his best, although maximum credit goes to Josh Paris, who played outstandingly in the first set, playing well above his ranking. Loffhagen will face Anton Matusevich in the final; they too have played against one another in the round-robin format of Week 7 Pro League matches, in which Matusevich won 7-6(2), 7-5. However, when we spoke to Matusevich he mentioned that this was his hardest matchup, who will win?..

The next matchup in the Semi-finals was between Anton Matusevich, who is considered the favourite in the men’s competition, and Dan Cox, who having taken some time out to consider coaching has come back and is dominating the men’s game. I want to put out a disclaimer that if anyone doesn’t like long deuces, this is certainly not the game for you! Almost every single game in this match went to a deuce; both players’ return games especially shone through. Matusevich broke early in the first set with some absolutely mind-boggling forehands. However, Cox broke back immediately (making him only the second player to break the Matusevich serve since the beginning of this week’s tournament). With the scores level, Matusevich went and broke twice more to make the set 6-2. This is the most unreflective score of a single set of tennis I’ve ever seen. The second set was anything but different, Matusevich broke early and took a 3-0 lead, he then aimed to break again but Cox saved 5 of 6 break points on his serve to keep him in it. But, as mentioned earlier, a single break can change the course of the game and especially when Matusevich is serving, and so the match ended in straight sets 6-2, 6-3. Ultimately, Cox saved 7 break points and Matusevich saved 4 in a wild game.

The last Semi-final came between top seed Beth Grey and Eliz Maloney. Again, a widely anticipated match that could have gone either way! Both players went toe-to-toe, with Maloney breaking twice and Grey breaking once. Maloney broke the serve of Grey to love at 5-4, to conclude that first set 6-4. Maloney’s serving today was great, able to win 81% of the points off her first serve. The second set didn’t disappoint. Both players favoured the break; Maloney broke 4 games in total and Beth a couple. Both players also favoured the strong returns to win points, neither played poorly at all. There’s just something about Eliz Maloney and the way she wins points that she almost goes unnoticed, it goes from 0-40 to deuce before you know it and then she’s broken. A great game played by her and she advances to play Lauryn John-Baptiste in the finals tomorrow.

Other notable games came between Billy Harris and Tiran Sanghera. Sanghera, who lost within his pool to both Joe Tyler and Harry Wendelken, came out firing and putting the pressure on the top seeded male. Harris took the first set, with his first serves doing the damage (93% of points won off first serve). However, in the second, Sanghera saved all break points and converted 1. The set concluded 6-3. Sanghera simply won all of the points off his first serves and returned well. The match tiebreak was over before it began, with Sanghera wrapping it up 10-3. A good showing from him!

Summer Yardley beat Jessica Matthews, with Matthews retiring due to a back injury. Ewan Moore displayed his talent by beating Maceo Simpson, the alternate, in straight sets. Additionally, Michelle Dzjachangirova beat Emma Cohen, however Cohen too retired due to an ankle injury. Finally, there was a strong matchup between Danielle Daley and Jizel Fernandes, Daley wrapped that up 6-4, 6-2, even withstanding the injury that she had during her match against Lauryn John-Baptiste.

The last match of the day was to decide 5th place between Alexis Canter and Harry Wendelken. Canter took the first set, which went to a tiebreak, winning the 75% of the points off his second serves. This plays into the old adage of ‘you’re only as good as your second serve’. In second set Wendelken came back and was able to capitalise on a single break and hold his own serves to win the set 6-3. Then came the tricky match tiebreak, which again saw Canter winning the majority of his serves and 100% of the points off his second serves. Canter’s serve has been an enigma this week; it’s much slower than the other players’ second serves and isn’t too spin-fuelled, but it has proved influential to his victories, with many players not being able to handle it. As a result, Canter takes 5th place and Wendelken takes 6th.

Day 6 results:

• Lauryn John-Baptiste bt Alice Gillan 6-0, 6-2
• Eliz Maloney bt Beth Grey 6-4, 6-2
• Anton Matusevich bt Dan Cox 6-2, 6-3
• George Loffhagen bt Joshua Paris 6(5)-7, 6-3, 10-2
• Tiran Sanghera bt Tiran Sanghera 3-6, 6-3, 10-3
• Ewan Moore bt Maceo Simpson 6-2, 6-2
• Michelle Dzjachangirova bt Emma Cohen 4-6, 6-4 ret.
• Danielle Daley bt Jizel Fernandes 6-3, 6-2
• Summer Yardley bt Jessica Matthews 2-1 ret.
• Alexis Canter bt Harry Wendelken 7-6(4), 3-6, 10-6

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Today at Gosling Tennis Centre in Welwyn Garden City we kicked off Day 4 of the Week 7 UK Pro League competition.

The Quarterfinals began with a widely anticipated matchup between Anton Matusevich (the 2021 UK Pro League Champion) and Alexis Canter. Canter was coming just off the back of a record-breaking match against Billy Harris, in which he won the match tie-break 18-16. The first set saw both players playing good tennis, both holding their serves until game 5, whereafter four break points saved Matusevich who capitalised on the Canter serve. After Matusevich winning 100% of the points off his first serve, he was able to close out the first set 6-3. The second set did not disappoint with some fantastic tennis all round, with Canter being able to break Matusevich’s unbroken record in Week 7 by winning the set 7-5. Then came the nerve-jangling match tie-break, in which Matusevich again used his high-octane serve to hit 3 aces and, after a bit of line controversy, Matusevich concluded that matchup 10-5. Matusevich, 700 ranks Canter’s superior in the ATP rankings, was most probably expecting an easy matchup, but that was far from the truth; Canter played extremely well and should be delighted with his performance. Ultimately, Matusevich continues his brilliant form and will play Dan Cox in the semi-finals.

The next hotly contested Quarterfinals matchup came between Harry Wendelken vs.Joshua Paris. A very even contest between these two. Josh Paris was able to break three times in the first set to best a slightly inconsistent Wendelken. Wendelken had to bring the physio out during the first set, due to a an ab injury. The first set ended conclusively with Paris winning 100% of his first serve points and winning 6-1. The next set was sown with a different ending, a now electric Wendelken back to his best tennis showed how impressive he can be returning efficiently and forcing errors from the Paris game, concluding the set with a well-deserved tie-break win 7-6(3). As we’ve seen so often in this tournament, another game went to a match tie-break, just showing how contested and even these games are. Paris was back to his usual stuff, his serve was on top form, driving the exasperated Wendelken to the back of the court and governing the rallies. Winning a few mini-breaks and keeping up his high ace ratio, Josh Paris deservedly besting Wendelken 10-5. Josh Paris will now see the blooming George Loffhagen in a great matchup, stayed tuned on ukproleague.com to catch that one; it won’t be one to miss!

Another stimulating Quarterfinal came between Beth Grey (UK Pro League top seed) and Arina Vasilescu (the burgeoning star). The first set was a back-and-forward affair with a break for Vasilescu and two for Grey (a boomerang break). The word to describe this match was relentless, Grey beating Vasilescu in the first set 6-4, but it must be noted that the rallies between these two foes were incredible, with neither player gifting any points to the other. In a gladiatorial fashion, the second set began, both players exhausted at the time-sapping rallies they played. In game 10 of set 2, Grey held 5 deuces and attacks from Vasilescu to hold her nerve and take the game. But Vasilescu was not done yet, Beth evidently fatigued from the 20-minute game was broken at 6-5 to conclude the second set 7-5 Vasilescu. Another tense match tie-break lay up ahead. Grey using her experience and skill to take the lead early, but after an expected fight back from Vasilescu, Grey was able to win using her brutal back and forehand strokes. Beth Grey will face Eliz Mahoney in the semi-finals, again a match that has been widely anticipated, top seed vs. current best performer in the Week 7 matches.

Another interesting 9-12th place matchup was between Jessica Matthews and Emma Cohen. Cohen an alternate replacing Holly Hutchinson and Matthews a rising star. In the first set, a rambunctious game, with both players breaking one another over 2 times; the players only held their serves for half of the total games played. Emma Cohen, only with 17 years to her name, played superbly with a break point conversion ratio of 100%, also winning 10 of 10 returns of the Matthews second serve. In the second, Matthews demonstrated exactly why she is included in the stars of the UK Pro League dominating with her flat groundstrokes, pushing Cohen all about the court, upending her serve. The set culminated a seismic 6-2. Then came, once again, a contentious match tie-break, Matthews unable to get many first serves on the board and, as a result, Cohen prevailed to be the winner in a 10-6 win. A great game between the two youngsters, both playing very admirable and promising tennis.

There were also wins in the men’s Quarterfinal bracket for Dan Cox and George Loffhagen against Joe Tyler and George Houghton respectively. Cox, a superb server of the ball made easy work of Tyler. Cox will face Anton Matusevich in the semi-finals. Equally, Loffhagen’s meteoric rise continued; in this form he is untouchable beating a well-rounded George Houghton in straight sets. He will face Josh Paris in the semis as the favourite.

In the women’s Quarterfinals, Eliz Maloney continued her inviolable form beating a strong Nadia Rawson in straight sets. Additionally, Alice Gillan also whipped Jizel Fernandes in straight sets. She is looking to get two UK Pro League week wins on the trot and will face Lauryn John–Baptiste in the semi-finals. Finally, in the matchup between Lauryn John-Baptiste and Danielle Daley, John-Baptiste was able to triumph over a higher seeded Daley. The first set was incredibly close, but you could sense that something wasn’t right in Daley’s game; shying away from her usual belligerent style. It was clear something was the matter, and ultimately there was, she retired after just three games into the second set. An unfortunate end for Daley, as she was looking like a strong contender for the title. But, as it stands, Lauryn John-Baptiste advances to play Alice Gillan in the semi-finals.

Day 4 Results:

In the Quarterfinal matchups:

• Anton Matusevich bt Alexis Canter 6-3, 7-5, 10-5
• Lauryn John-Baptiste bt Danielle Daley 7-6, 2-1 ret.
• Joshua Paris bt Harry Wendelken 6-1, 6(3)-7, 10-3
• Beth Grey bt Arina Vasilescu 6-4, 5-7, 10-5
• Dan Cox bt Joe Tyler 7-5, 6-2
• George Loffhagen bt George Houghton 6-1, 6-2
• Alice Gillan bt Jizel Fernandes 6-4, 6-2
• Eliz Maloney bt Nadia Rawson 6-1, 6-2

In the round-robin competition for 9-12th place:

• Billy Harris bt Maceo Simpson 6-3, 6-1
• Tiran Sanghera bt Ewan Moore 6-2, 6-2
• Emma Cohen bt Jessica Matthews 6-4, 2-6, 10-6
• Michelle Dzjachangirova bt Summer Yardley 6-4, 6-2

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The day began with Maceo Simpson vs. George Loffhagen facing off. The favourite Loffhagen is almost 900 places above Simpson in the current ATP rankings. Simpson, a budding 19-year-old, fills in for Mattias Southcombe who injured his ankle in a recent match against Anton Matusevich. Loffhagen showed his prestige above Maceo by securing the first set 6-0. Loffhagen seemed to have no flaws in his game, winning an average of 93% of the points off his first and second serves. Loffhagen’s punishing serves and acute groundstrokes now ensure him a place in the Quarterfinals of the UK Pro League Week 7 competition. Maceo Simpson will play in the 9th to 12th place competition along with Billy Harris, Ewan Moore and Tiran Sanghera.

On Court 2, a UK Pro League record-breaking match took place between Billy Harris and Alexis Canter. Canter needed a victory here after losing to George Houghton just two days prior. In the first set, both Canter and Harris were playing some extraordinary tennis, hitting the living daylights out of the ball. Harris was able to break the serve of Canter in the 4th game, and then hold his serve to win the first set 6-4. The first set was the eye of the storm, as what followed was unprecedented until now. The second set, after a rocket-fuelled start in which, I am surprised, the balls didn’t burst. Additionally, both utilised the drop-shot and net approach nicely, which has not been second nature to the players this week favouring the groundstrokes from the back of the court. Ultimately, Harris broke in a back-and-forth game to make it 4-3 Harris. It all seemed dead and buried when Harris consolidated the break, however Canter from the death brought it back. He saved two match points to break Harris’ serve and, in the end, force a tie-break. The tie-break, like the rest of the game, was electric with neither player willing to give in, but in the end Alexis Canter clinched the tie-break 7-6(11). The match tie-break lasted 25 minutes and ended 18-16 to Canter, this was officially, in the history of the UK Pro League, the longest match tie-break ever recorded. An awe-inspiring match, overflowing with talent. This means, with Harris’ defeat, he goes into the 9-12th playoff matches and Alexis Canter is set to play in the Quarterfinals tomorrow.

The next match on Court 1 was the Women’s Pool A contest featuring top seed Beth Grey and relative UK Pro League newcomer Michelle Dzjachangirova. Both players started out a little shaky with certain shots, Beth with her forehand and Michelle with her serve (only winning 38% of points off her second serve). Beth was able to break immediately in the first game, however Michelle’s determination shone through and she broke back (a boomerang break). Ultimately, Beth’s precision and power won her the first set 6-3. However, throughout the game Michelle had demonstrated bursts of her brilliance and certainly proved that in the second set. She broke Beth in the 8th game, her backhand becoming a highlight reel. She was able to generate such power and acuteness from the backhand, Beth had no answer to her brilliance; a fantastic set from the 20-year-old. The match tie-break concluded 10-8 in Beth’s favour, however, both players went back and forth gaining mini breaks and losing them. The tension was palpable, but in the end the veteran Beth Grey won, procuring a place for herself in the highly contested Week 7 UK Pro League Quarterfinals.

It was a decisive match in the Pool B bout between Ewan Moore and Joshua Paris, who were both vying for a place in the Quarterfinals. The match began with Ewan Moore, the underdog, playing efficiently and handling the authoritarian serve of Paris nonchalantly. Great rallies were had by both men, both employing the drop-shot frequently. Ultimately, Paris was able to just overcome Moore in the first set tie-break beating him 7-6(4). The second set weaved a different tale, a once confident Moore was replaced by a beaten spirit, in the first set he won 70% of return points and in the second he won 30%. This difference allowed Paris to take hold of the game and show just how brilliant he can be; the match ended 7-6(4), 6-1.

There were decisive victories for Eliz Maloney and Arina Vasilescu against Jessica Matthews and Summer Yardley respectively. Maloney’s consistency and power on the court wowed the alternative filling in for Holly Hutchinson, who could not handle the game of the 21-year-old. In the Vasilescu bout, Jessica Matthews, although losing a set, came back in the second to gain a few set points. However the power and precision of Vasilescu’s game held true, and she wrapped the game up 6-2, 7-5.

In the Men’s Pool D matchup, Harry Wendelken beat Tiran Sanghera in a competent straight sets victory. Wendelken advances, as a result, to the top of Pool D and will play Josh Paris in an exciting Quarterfinals matchup tomorrow!

In the last match of the day, Alice Gillan (Week 6 Winner) beat Emma Cohen 6-2, 6(5)-7, 10-6 in a closely fought battle. Gillan, the great ball striker, displayed great prowess in the first set to break Cohen twice, winning every return she made to the Cohen second serve. However, Cohen was not to be counted out. Gillan was broken a few times during the second set by a promising and electric Cohen, but she brought the game back to 6-5. Through sheer grit and determination along with her elusive speed Cohen won the second set in a close tie-break. Ultimately, Gillan’s experience helped her overcome the nervy match tie-break and hang on to win 10-6. Cohen’s performance must not be understated, she played exceptionally well.

Day 3 Results:

• George Loffhagen bt Maceo Simpson 6-0, 6-2
• Alexis Canter bt Billy Harris 4-6, 7-6(11), 18-16
• Arina Vasilescu bt Jessica Matthews 6-2, 7-5
• Beth Grey bt Michelle Dzjachangirova 6-3, 5-7, 10-8
• Eliz Maloney bt Summer Yardley 6-1, 6-1
• Josh Paris bt Ewan Moore 7-6(4), 6-1
• Harry Wendelken bt Tiran Sanghera 6-2, 6-3
• Alice Gillan bt Emma Cohen 6-2, 6(5)-7, 10-6

Week 7 Quarterfinalists:

Women

Pool A
• Danielle Daley
• Beth Grey

Pool B
• Eliz Mahoney
• Jizel Fernandes

Pool C
• Arina Vasilescu
• Lauryn John-Baptiste

Pool D
• Nadia Rawson
• Alice Gillan

Mens

Pool A
• George Houghton
• Alexis Canter

Pool B
• Dan Cox
• Josh Paris

Pool C
• Anton Matusevich
• George Loffhagen

Pool D
• Harry Wendelken
• Joe Tyler

9th – 12th Playoffs:

Men:

• Tiran Sanghera
• Billy Harris
• Maceo Simpson
• Ewan Moore

Women:

• Emma Cohen
• Jessica Matthews
• Summer Yardley
• Michelle Dzjachangirova

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