Back to the Drawing Board

I knew today was going to be a hard day for Phil...win or lose. He had tough matches in both singles and doubles.  From the time his match started at 10:30, I was a nervous wreck. I finally got a text from Neal, after two agonizing hours, that Phil had split sets.  Then the text updates kept coming...when I saw that he was down 5-2, I prayed for a miracle.  I knew his serve was failing him, and I was hoping he could find a way to get back into the match.  He fought hard but lost 6-4 in the third.  He sounded very dejected.  I totally understand where he is coming from...playing tight and his nerves controlling his every move.  Somehow we both have to find a way to play through these nerves.

Phil still had the doubles final to play.  I was in hopes that he and Neal would come out swinging and end the day on a good note.  A gold ball has a way of making everything better....but it wasn't meant to be.  They lost 6-3, 6-4.  Even though they are both great doubles players, they don't make a great team.  The style of play they both have is too similar...they each need a partner that is the "hammer"...a point finisher that is physical. Needless to say the disappointment in Phil's voice was palpable.  I just wanted to reach through the phone give him a big hug.  Phil has had to console me way more many times than me consoling him.  It's hard to find the words to say, because I know exactly how he feels, and words just don't seem to help.

We both know it's just a tennis match, but it's what we do.  In our small, little world it is important to us. But we also both know that in our big world, it's not important at all. This too shall pass.