Day Three

Well, you win some, you lose some, and sometimes you just get toyed with. Today, Renata toyed with me! We had long points and I won quite a few of them. Just not enough at the right time. Renata is a World Champion and she played like one today, winning decisively 6-1, 6-1. She played very smart, hitting high loopy forehands that pushed me to the fence, then she mixed in killer drop shots off her backhand from anywhere on the court. I had no defense for her incredible offense. She later said her plan was give to me no pace, and she played her plan out perfectly. These types of matches are great learning tools. I still feel good about my game and the direction I'm headed. I've got short and long term goals in sight, and as I've said before all these great matches are stepping stones. I'm playing off tomorrow for 3rd and 4th in a national that's not even my age group. How bad can it be!?! I will have another tough match tomorrow against a girl who likes to hit the ball, so I'm hoping to get grooved in and play well. Phil has been so supportive through all my matches....the good and the bad. He always seems to know the right things to say at the right time. I love having someone in my life that truly "gets" it. I feel so blessed! Unfortunately, Renee is really down and out with what does appear to be the flu. I feel so bad for her, because she feels just awful. This will force her to get some much needed and well deserved rest, but I hate that it's come in the form of this awful bug! My playoff match is tomorrow at 11:00. I'll report back after that!