Early wins for Mathieu and Massu
Play is now under way on Court One as we wait the arrival of Martina Hingis. Two matches have been completed so far with Frenchman Paul-Henri Mathieu in fine form on his return to grass, registering a 6-1 6-2 victory over young British hopeful Luke Bambridge.
‘PHM’ has had a difficult season with injuries so far but looked in top condition at Calderstones Park this afternoon: “I need to get some fitness and play more matches on the grass if I’m able to compete well at Wimbledon” he said.
Meanwhile Nottingham’s Luke Bambridge remained positive despite his defeat: “He’s a good player, it’s hard to hold serve because he’s got such a good return. Today was a good opportunity to work on my game and get some practice in. But I’ve got loads of school work to do now before Wimbledon!” he said.
In the second match, Chilean Nicolas Massu was the star attraction up against 17-year-old American Denis Kudla. ‘Vampiro’, as Massu is known, started well and took the first set 6-4 showing the skills that won him two Olympic Gold medals back in 2004.
Kudla, who played in Junior Wimbledon last year, struggled to adjust to the grass and was broken again in the second set as Massu ran out the winner, 6-4 6-3.
“It was hard because I’m playing on grass for the first time here this year. He (Massu) is a great player and he came out on top but this is a great preparation for Wimbledon for me.” said Kulda.
Meanwhile on Court One this afternoon, Eugenie Bouchard of Canada beat Chloe Murphy of Great Britain 8-0 in a girl’s first to eight pro set.
Results so far:
Centre Court
Paul-Henri Mathieu (FRA) beat Luke Bambridge (GBR) 6-1 6-2
Nicolas Massu (CHI) beat Denis Kudla (USA) 6-4 6-3
Court One
Eugenie Bouchard (CAN) beat Chloe Murphy (GBR) 8-0 (Pro Set - first to 8)
Sean Molyneux
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