By Neto Baptiste
Professional tennis player Jody Maginleyhas progressed to the next round at the Pan American Games underway in Lima, Peru.
The Antiguan registered a 6-4, 6-4 straight sets victory over Kyle Johnson of El Salvador to move to the next phase of the competition.
Speaking to the media following his match, Maginley was thankful for the victory, adding that it came amid trying circumstances.
“Still have to get used to the clay a little bit. I will press on it for a few days, but obviously the pressure in the match is a little bit different; but I think, for the most part, I played well, served well, hit my forehand well and as long as I am doing that I will have the chance to win any match. The next person I play is a lefty and I think it is more difficult to return a lefty’s serve because it spins in the opposite direction so it will be a little more difficult to return. Maybe just try to make him play a lot of balls in his serve and hope for some mistakes and then stay aggressive on my serve like I’ve been playing before, like I have been training; look for forehands and be aggressive,” he said.
Maginley, Antigua and Barbuda’s most successful professional player, said he is adapting well to the conditions in Peru.
“It’s a little bit cold but once you start playing you don’t really think about it and maybe it helps because you don’t get tired and I don’t sweat as much and I don’t get dehydrated as much; so I’ve been prepared, taking care of my body, drinking a lot of fluids and so I am feeling good,” he said.
The Antiguan is expected to return to action on Tuesday.