Ekeland keeps streak alive in season ending 3-1 loss to Spårvägen

Saturday saw the last match of the season to be played by Sundybergs TK, with a decimated lineup due to various illnesses only Kristian Ekeland managed to score for STK. Peter was out with flu-like symptoms, Linus engaged elsewhere and Olle occupied by work. 

Mikael Muttala accompanied Kristian for a two man strong team to close out the season against Spårvägens TK in the Hulks Cave. The chances of a perfect season were literally gone before the first serve was hit, Peter defaulted his single to put STK down 1-0 as Micke and Kristian took to the courts.

Muttala played a strong and gracefully playing 15 year old kid who did not give Muttala a chance to even get in the game, unless put under pressure the grommet had Muttala running from the start of the point. Although a valiant effort from Mikael he could do nothing but see himself loose in straight sets, the youngster had a strong arsenal of strokes, did not miss much and had a nice way of changing pace in the points. From the stands we could see Micke fighting fatigue early in the second set after some serious running from side to side to hunt down the ball.

Kristian claimed the first set in his match by breaking late in the first set, the break turned out to be the only one in the whole match. His opponent, a seasoned veteran, used a good but unorthodox serve, an arctic movement pattern and a few nice backhand passing shots to keep Kristian at bay. Kristian needed his 4 year winning streak intact and kept pushing his opponent to make hard passing shot by going aggressively to the net, as we are used to see him do.

The second set ended in a tiebreaker where Kristian was the strongest after breaking twice to keep the flame of his winning streak alive. Kristian played well overall although he might have missed one or two easy volleys at net that might have avoided the tiebreaker. 

Peter never got to prove that he could hold serve the complete season, no harm done as he was happily abusing Kristians equipment on the bench instead.

The chance to finish the season unbeaten was missed as Micke and Kristian lost the double in a 10-6 super tiebreak  after climbing to a 0-1 set lead. Spårvägen threw in another youngster with a massive serve and signature heavy breathing technique to surprise our heroes. The guys tanked the second set, basically giving it away after being down 4-0 very quickly. There were some complaints on fatigue from both players, maybe the team could use some additional cardiovascular training for next year...

In 2009 we are talking division 2, 4 singles and 2 doubles per match, no doubt there is a clear need for commitment from the current players and also potentially room for new player additions. Courtside will keep you updated.