TR is first to make playoffs!

East semifinal is a marathon in the heat!

By Steve England, ESVN - With a court-side heat index of 105°, and a match time of 2-hours 35-minutes.  The east semifinal became a battle of endurance, as well as stroke execution!  The phenomenal aspect of this match was the lack of dead time!  Not only was this a lengthy battle, but these two were running nearly 90% of the time!

Ted jumps to a 4-0 lead before RB gets on the board.  TR's shots were lower in trajectory, and strong from the baseline!  It seemed as if TR has a certain range from which he can take a full swing, and execute well paced topspin strokes.  Force him close, and the offensive punch is diminished.  RB relied upon the slice - both forehand and backhand were consistently executed.  Many of RB's slices tagged, or landed within inches of the lines!  RB shakes off the early rust... slowly fighting his way back into the set.  After a 7-deuce game, RB emerges victorious, then goes on to tie at 4-all!  After yet another struggle... TR breaks RB's serve with a deep forehand to RB's backhand.  TR then easily holds at 40-15 to take the first set 6-4.

RB starts the second set repeatedly tagging the baseline to take a 2-0 lead, but TR surges to stop Ryan in his tracks... TR breaks RB at love with a strong forehand!  Players continue to swap games to 3-3, then TR errors three consecutive games away!  RB levels the match at 1-set all!

The third set began at the 2-hour mark, and fatigue was starting to show it's ugly head.  RB's walk appeared labored, and player's were at times bent over winded!  Tied at 1-1 in the final set, RB misses an easy slam, then makes two unforced errors after a 4th deuce to lose his edge.  TR continues to benefit from a growing number of RB errors.  Combined with a backhand volley winner, nailing the baseline, and a forehand winner down the right sideline, and TR finds himself with an almost insurmountable 5-1 lead!  Refusing to lie down... RB breaks TR after a 30-shot ralley - leaving both players nearly spent!  On the final point RB finds himself double match-point down, when TR plays a serve which should have been called long.  RB (near exhaustion)... hits the return long!  TR wins the east semifinal 6-4,3-6,6-2.