Back From Indy

We just drove in from Indy and we're both beat. Phil from playing two tough matches in two days, and I'm just worn out from spectating. The weather conditions today were as close to perfect as you can get...sunny skies, temps in the 80's, and little to no wind. Phil and I had a good warm up this morning and I could tell he was ready to play his final. I was unusually calm watching the first 10 games or so. Phil was playing sharp, precise tennis and won the first set 6-4. He went up a break early in the second only to get broken right back. From then on they held serves until Phil broke and held to go up 5-3. The points were getting longer, and I knew Phil needed to close out the match and not let it drag on. Phil had one match point on Bill's serve, but wasn't able to convert. Bill held then broke Phil back to tie it up to 5 all. My nerves were shot at this point. They both held to get to a tiebreaker for the second set. Phil played smart and aggressive and was able to win the tiebreaker 7-4. I was so relieved and thrilled for him. He needed these good wins on clay. He and Mario went on to win the doubles as well. So we both came home winners in singles and doubles. Most importantly we had so much fun being together doing what we both love to do. As always, we made new friends and enjoyed spending time with other players. I'm the "new kid" on the block and everyone knows Phil. It was fun being a part of his world. I'm flying back to Destin tomorrow. My next event is in Philadelphia on grass in July. I've got a lot of work to do to get ready!