Toby’s week began against Poland on July 18 who he beat in straight sets 6-1, 6-4, cruising into the next round of the competition. Up next a competitor from Czechia who again got swept aside by the dominant Samuel winning in straight sets 6-2, 6-1.
The USA was Toby’s opponent in the round of 16 and again Toby won in straight sets 6-1, 6-3 with five aces along the way to give the crowd something to cheer about. The quarter final saw Toby up against an opponent competing under the FISU flag. A shock to the system for the Brit saw him lose the first set 6-2 and leave the crowd in shock. The second set had the whole place on the edge of their seats as Toby was dragged all the way and just pinching the second set 7-5. A deciding set saw Toby settle back in and take the win 2-1 with comfortable 6-3 win setting up a semi final on centre court.
A German athlete was Toby's semi final opponent and with the home crowd behind him on centre court Toby looked to have a tough match in store. The first set Toby was pushed all the way and squeezed the win 7-6. He then applied more pressure in the next set to upset the crowd and take his third straight set win 2-0 with a 6-3 win, setting a final against Japan.
A days rest gave Toby the opportunity to reset before he was back on centre court again. The culmination of the tennis saw a packed crowd inside the arena with not a seat in sight and people standing at the back to catch a glimpse of the talent on display. A shaky first set saw Toby go down early with Japanese athlete Jay Friend winning 6-1. A loud GB crowd help Toby fight back in the second, taking it 4-6 setting up a third set decider.
A back a forth of broken serves and unbelievable tennis really gave the crowd something to cheer about on the sunny afternoon but in the end it was the Japanese athlete that took the spoils winning the final set 7-5 being crowned men’s champion.
After the match Toby said” “I’m just very tired now. It was a great match. I got myself into a position but just physically struggled and then he did well and came back to close it out.”
“I could definitely hear my mum. She’s got a distinct frequency. It was great, everyone coming out to watch and support.”
Toby’s medal adds to the tennis collection as fellow team mate Jamie won the bronze medal.
