8 Tennis Courts and Clubs in Hounslow

David: A fun match with Allen on a sunny, blustery and slightly wet Sunday morning at Gunnersbury Park! The rain poured throughout our warm-up but fortunately the sun came out just before the start of play! The wind continued throughout but you can’t have it all! Allen was the better player in the opening set. I struggled to find my rhythm and cope with the ferocity of Allen’s ground strokes and he raced into a 3-0 lead. Although I finally got on the scoreboard, Allen claimed the next three games with relative ease and soon took the overall lead! However, the second set was a different story! Allen began to struggle with a shoulder problem and he didn’t generate as much power and accuracy on his serve and ground strokes! I took advantage and soon established a 2-0 lead. Allen reduced the deficit but I held after a long fourth game to make it 3-1. We shared the next two games and I went 4-2 up. I won the next two games to level the match and force a deciding tie-break! Despite my best efforts, Allen rediscovered his form from the opening set! Allen sent down a brilliant ace and subsequently took a commanding 3-0 lead. I claimed the next point but Allen grew in confidence, stamped his authority on proceedings and deservedly clinched victory! Well played Allen! We had some great rallies and thanks for agreeing to play with an injury! I hope you fully recover and come back even stronger! Maybe I won’t even win a game next time!

Eliano: Great match with some long games. Good defence from David and tricky forehand spins, made for some fun rallies. Good luck with the rest of the league!

David: A competitive game with Eliano on a sunny Monday evening at Chiswick House and Gardens! Both sets could have gone either way but Eliano was more clinical in key moments and deserved his win! I made a positive start and held my serve in the opening game. However, Eliano won the next three games to take a commanding 3-1 lead. I fought back to level up the set at 3-3 as we enjoyed some long rallies! At this juncture Eliano took control and won the next three games with relative ease to clinch the first set! I started the second set strongly and took a 2-0 lead. Unfortunately for me, Eliano once again flipped a switch and turned the tide in his favour. Eliano levelled up at 2-2 and then won a gruelling fifth game with around six deuces to edge 3-2 ahead. I had several opportunities to win the game but couldn’t take them and Eliano eventually prevailed. He subsequently extended his lead to 4-2. Although I reduced the deficit to 4-3, Eliano cut short the longer rallies with more aggressive groundstrokes and powered to victory! Well played Eliano! Despite my best efforts, you were simply too good today! Nonetheless, I really enjoyed the match and it was great to meet you! I hope we can play again some time! Best of luck for the rest of the season!