On the Grass

I put Phil on a plane yesterday for New York to play his national grass courts at Forrest Hills. He loves playing there because of the rich tennis history of the club, but the courts aren't all that great.  The past couples of weeks, in succession, the men's 40's and 55's and the 60's are all playing.  The courts have so much wear and tear...bounces and court conditions are less than optimal.  It's the same on both sides of the net, so no excuses...you just have to know in your mind that you have two opponents to worry about...the person across the net and the court.

Phil and Neal have a doubles match today at 4:00, and Phil plays singles tomorrow (Saturday) at noon. Phil is seeded third in singles and they are seeded second in doubles. The doubles draw seems a little weak, but by no means does that mean there will be easy matches.  Phil's singles draw is tough. He has prepared well, and knows what he has to do to do well. Anything can happen on grass courts, and momentum shifts can happen quickly.  As always, I'll be nervously awaiting his calls each day.