Kaichi Uchida defeats Luke Bambridge to claim a spot in third round – Australian Open (juniors) 2012
Japanese upcoming star, Kaichi Uchida, defeated his age fellow Briton, Luke Bambridge, in the second round of the Australian Open (juniors) tournament. Final scores in favour of the fourth seed Japanese were 6-4, 7-6(8).
The Briton had just played 9 professional career encounters whilst his opponent was playing his 12th match. They are still learning the traits and skills to flourish their tennis. Both players were accompanied by their
parents so it was a big occasion for them to perform well and make their parents proud of them.
Slow and gradual build up to the match witnessed both players hanging on to their initial serves in the first five games, with the scores moving on to 3-2 in favour of the Briton. Two breaks were traded between the contestants
in the next two games as the scores stayed close at 4-3 in favour of the Briton with Uchida to serve the next game.
The Japanese youngster held his serve to level the scores at 4-4 and enter the most crucial part of the set. In the ninth game of the set the Japanese played couple of winners down the line that were heartbreaking for the Briton.
Bambridge failed to hold his serve and lost a vital break that proved to be the turning point of the set.
Uchida took full advantage of the opportunity and held his serve to bag the first set. His parents stood up on their feet to congratulate their son whilst Bambridge was consoled by his coach at the sidelines during the break.
Second set was commenced by the Briton who held his serve; so did his opponent. Both players traded breaks in the next two games to push the scores to 2-2. Next three games were held by respective serve players before the Briton
came out with an all round onslaught that was the most exciting part of the match.
Bambridge broke serve to take the lead but his serve was broken in the next game as well. No more breaks were witnessed and the set pushed into the tie breaker round. After a fierce battle, the Japanese held his nerve and came
on top to move into the third round.
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