More mixed results for Lapthorne and Whiley at Masters

Andy Lapthorne gave himself a shot at qualifying for the final of the quad singles at the Wheelchair Tennis Masters but Jordanne Whiley suffered an agonising defeat to the world number one.

Both matches went to three sets, with Eastcote’s Lapthorne racing through the decider in his match to defeat Israeli Itay Erenlib 6-4 4-6 6-0.

It was precisely the result the 25-year-old needed having lost his opening round-robin match to world number two and reigning champion David Wagner on Wednesday.

He now faces Lucas Sithole of South Africa on Friday in a winner-takes-all match to decide who faces Wagner in the final.

Whiley had been victorious in her first match in the women’s singles, beating fellow Brit Lucy Shuker, but started slowly against 2012 Masters champion Jiske Griffioen.

The Dutchwoman – a regular rival of Whiley’s in both singles and doubles – won the first few games on her way to winning the first set 6-3.

The Ickenham-based US Open champion responded by taking the second set 6-4 and had opened up a healthy lead in the decider, which Griffioen eroded to send it to a tie-break.

Both players slugged it out over 30 points in the breaker but it was Griffioen who emerged triumphant 16-14.

Whiley next plays Sabine Ellerbrock, with a win taking her into the semi-finals.