Double Win

As I've mentioned many time before, I always get nervous waiting for THE call. Imagine how surprised I was when the phone rang after an hour and a half it was Phil...not telling me he won (or lost), but that he had split sets! Never did I expect a call from him between sets....a player only gets so much time between the second and third set and usually during that time you're changing cloths, getting more water, and trying to figure out what to do to win the third. Phil knew I'd be worried, and took the time to call to let me know they had split. Wow! That meant so much to me! Of course I then proceeded to worry and wonder what was going on for the next 45 minutes to an hour. Finally the second call came that he pulled out a win, 6-4 in the third. I knew going into today that he would be challenged. It's early in the tournament season, and it's great to be tested early and be able to pull out tough three setters. It makes you better and mentally tougher as a player. Phil now plays his doubles partner, and current 60's World Champion, Larry Turville. Larry is 6'8", and very good. He covers the court well for a tall guy, and has a killer forehand. Phil has beaten Larry before, just as Larry has beaten him. Phil will have to play aggressive, smart tennis to win. He has the capability to open his bag of tricks and pull this one out. Regardless of the result tomorrow, I know he'll come home with plenty of things he feels he needs to work on, but I also know he'll look back and be happy with how he competed.

He and Larry easily won their quarterfinal doubles this afternoon, and will play the semifinals after the singles final tomorrow. Big chance of rain here tomorrow, but I'll make sure I stay busy through the morning to help pass the time.