Our first match of day 2 on court 1 features Evan Hoyt and Sean Hodkin. Evan Hoyt, the highest ranked in the men’s draw, started his week of perfectly yesterday with a 3 set win over Dan Little. Sean Hodkin stands in his way to topping Pool A.
11:16 Sean Hodkin breaks serve 0-1
Evan Hoyt’s first serve was so impressive yesterday but early in this one Hodkin is able to get into his second serve. It results in a couple of break points which he is able to cash in on and take the early lead. He then cracks a huge ace on his first serve. No surprise there, he has the record for the most aces in a match at the UK Pro League with 20.
11:23 Hoyt breaks back 1-1
Evan Hoyt hits a very heavy ball, Hodkin is already struggling to keep up. Two break-back points for Hoyt after he strikes great passing shot past the off balance Hodkin. He has a great chance as he works his way to the net with a good approach but Hodkin is able to keep himself alive. One break point left. In the end it was one too many as the top seed is back level in this one. A great response to the early break.
11:35 Hodkin breaks serve 2-4
This is turning into a cracking match. It’s really well played from Hodkin to recover the break he lost. It is the first meeting between this pair and Hoyt is still trying to figure out Hodkin’s weakness. At the moment he can’t find any and Hodkin converts the break.
11:42 Hodkin breaks serve 2-5
A massive moment here! Hodkin is playing some fantastic shots, including a superb return winner. He is putting some serious pressure on the Hoyt serve and it is starting to waver. Hodkin to serve for the first set!
11:50 Hodkin wins the first set 2-6
A mammoth game to finish this set as Hodkin and Hoyt fight out multiple deuces in brilliant fashion. Hodkin’s aces keep coming as he saves a break point with a massive serve down the middle. He can’t keep going as serious rallies keep coming, with Hoyt hanging on before striking a winner. Hodkin then defends yet another break point to get himself back to deuce. Finally, Hodkin earns himself a set point which he converts after Hoyt hits wide. It draws to a close a fantastic first set which has gone on for over 50 minutes. The match on court 2 is almost finished!
12:51 Hodkin wins the match 2-6, 5-7
Sean Hodkin takes all 3 points! A fantastic performance against the highest ranked player in the draw. His serving once again provided a fantastic base for an impressive win. The second set was much closer than the first but a perfectly timed break at 5-5 gives him the chance to serve for the match and his serve does not let him down. Great win!