Daniel aims to bounce back

DANIEL SMETHHURST: Poor serves.

Tennis: 

FAILSWORTH’S Daniel Smethurst is out of the inaugural AEGON Manchester Trophy after a 6-3, 6-1 defeat to Colombian Alejandro Falla.

The 109th man in the world rankings, from Bogota was serene throughout, while 564th-ranked Smethurst wrestled for control.

Smethurst’s display hinged on the eighth game of the first set when, after pulling back a break, he surrendered his serve once more.

“I definitely didn’t serve well enough. If you don’t serve well the pressure is going to build and build.

“I couldn’t get any momentum in the match with a couple of quick holds,” said the 24 year old.

“Playing a guy who’s ranked above you, it’s essential to create scoreboard pressure, I didn’t.”

Smethurst is targeting improved grass-court displays at tournaments in llkley and Surbiton and despite this defeat remains upbeat.

In the first five months of last year he climbed over 150 ranking places and ultimately earned himself a wildcard entry to Wimbledon.

“The problem with tennis is that it’s an all-year sport,” he said. “After Wimbledon last year, I got injured and my ranking dropped.