Not Quite

If last year, exactly at this same time (when he was still not even hitting a tennis ball), someone would have told Phil that in 2012, he was going to win a couple of category ll national doubles, he was going to get to the finals of a singles and two doubles in two different category l nationals and he'd be in a singles and two doubles semis in the other category l  nationals, I think he's say he'd be thrilled.  I know I am for him.  I've seen all the hard work he's put into getting back in shape to play, both on and off the court.  It's been in incremental steps, and there have been plenty of bumps along the way.  But he did it.  I know that when you have had success at a certain level, that accepting anything less than that level is very difficult. 

Phil lost to Tom Smith in the semis 6-4, 6-2.  Tom is a big hitter, swinging for the fences.  When he is on, he is tough to beat.  Sometimes though, you can count on Tom to break down a little, and find openings.  Yesterday he didn't break down.  Phil was not unhappy with his play, and said that Tom played great.  The doubles in the afternoon against Larry and Neal was another tough blow.  Phil and Armie lost 7-6, 6-2.  Neal and Larry have won four world titles together, and they are an awesome team.  I know how badly Phil wanted to win a national tournament playing with his good friend Armistead, but it just wasn't meant to be this one. The disappointment in his voice was unmistakable, but I think deep down he realizes he has had an impressive run.  Playing three nationals tournaments within an eight week period is not an easy task....the travel, the pressures, plus the balance of work and practice can exhaust even the heartiest of souls.

Phil flies back in this morning, and I can't wait to see him!  But our time together will be short lived, as I leave next Tuesday to go to West Palm Beach to play my national clay courts.  Then it will be his turn to be sitting by the phone, white knuckled, waiting for the post match call!  It's what we do.