We started our day at Bitsy Grant Tennis Center meeting, meeting a "kid" Phil once coached years ago in Columbus. Of course the "kid"...aka Scott Dockter, age 43, is no longer a kid. Nonetheless, we had a good hit with Scott before heading over to Cherokee to watch some matches and wait for Phil's doubles. Another treat today was seeing Phil's oldest son, Philip. He, by chance, flew in town for a wedding this afternoon. He took a cab from the airport to the courts to spend a little time with Phil. He couldn't stay for the match, but I know Phil really appreciated Philip coming from the airport to the courts, before beginning his weekend of fun.
We watched Phil's partner, Tom, play his semis match against Andrew Rae. Tom played very well, and won the first set 6-4, then went on to lose 6-2, 6-3. I warmed Phil up while Tom ate lunch. I was anxious for them to get started. I had a good feeling about today. I knew they'd have a very tough match, but I could see Phil was psyched and ready to go. Phil started serving the match and had a strong hold. Phil and Tom played very well the first set. Castori and Reid were caught off guard by Phil and Tom's aggressive play. The set went by quickly to the good guys 6-2. After an early break in the second, a volley poach by Tom was returned in desperation by Reid, and a red flag went up in my mind. Matches can turn on shots like that. Sure enough, the guys were broken back, and went on to lose the second set in a tiebreaker. The third set got off to a great start with Phil and Tom up a break at 3-0. Slowly but surely the lead slipped away, and they ended up losing the match 6-4 in the third. I could sense Phil's disappointment in a huge way. He's frustrated right now, and I just wanted so much for him to walk off this court with that confident feeling again. I thought he returned well, and served well, but knowing you're up a break and can't close out a match is maddening. We've all been there, and there are no words to ease the disappointment.
Tomorrow is a new day. Just so they can get in one more matche they'll play the playoff for 3 & 4 in the morning. We'll shower and head back to Destin after the match. It's been a fun week of tennis, both playing and spectating. After a week at home, we'll pack up and head to Chicago for my tournament.
1 comment:
Dear Phil,
I just today pulled up Myke's blogspot to discover that you were playing in a tournament and I read the whole week's events today. I know you were disappointed you didn't win the singles. You just have to move on to the next match and hope this experience has just toughened you up for the next match. I have great confidence in you and wish you good playing in your next tournament. I know it was nice to have Myke along with you to cheer you on, and to hit with. I'll be sure to check on Myke's tournament in Chicago.
Thinking about you and Myke.Tillie
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