Yikes

I'm always nervous when I answer the much anticipated call from Phil about his match results. The one thing you never want to hear, is what I heard today...."we got our butts kicked"

Phil said that he and Marty just got outplayed and lost 6-3, 6-2 in the semis. I've been in that situation before when no matter what you do, the other team does better....serves lights out, makes every return, and puts the ball exactly where you're not....and you have no answer. It also seems the harder you try, the worse it gets.

I could tell in Phil's voice that he is very disappointed in the loss. Knowing him so well, he feels like it was an expensive trip to go and just play doubles. Not coming home with a win magnifies his feelings. I never think of it that way.  He needed these good matches under his belt, win or lose, to help him get ready for the rest of the tournaments this year. Because of our crazy work schedule and lack of free time to practice, I'm proud that he went to play and did as well as he did. Sometimes it's not just about winning. He did the best he could and that's that. 

Phil is back home late Sunday, and after a day or two of rest, he will be back at it. The Atlanta Senior Invitational is only a couple of weeks away.  Sometimes you have to have a short memory.