The Bag is Coming Out

Phil loves the preparation for tournaments just as much as the competition itself.  He leaves on Sunday for the 65 National Indoor in Minneapolis.  There is no way he can be anymore prepared for this tournament.  He has been playing and practicing diligently in the Florida summer heat and humidity. Even though this is an indoor tournament, he will be well conditioned to play both singles and doubles.

Unfortunately I will not be travelling to this tournament with Phil.  We don't think our new puppy baby Ellie is ready to travel just yet. Plus, I feel like I need to stay at work this week. I hate missing out on being there...watching Phil play in these big tournaments is one of my favorite things to do...even though I watch with my hands covering my face...sort of like how I watch the scariest of scariest movies.  I don't know which is worse, being nervous watching in person, or being nervous waiting for the phone to ring.  At least I'll have Ellie as a distraction!

 



We are predictably slow at work, but there are some regular lessons that need to be taken care of, and I've started teaching Cardio tennis, which is lots of fun.  The summer months are passing quickly and the fall season will be here before we know it.  Phil will be away again in September for the National Grass courts. Who knows, I might be able to sneak up to see him win there!

This is Phil's first national singles event since coming back from his knee replacement 17 months ago.  He will be playing doubles with Brian Cheney, then resume his partnership with Tony Dawson in the remaining two nationals. Indoor hard court is Phil's best surface to play on.  So proud of him and all his effort to get back to this point.

So for now, the preparation continues before he leaves on Sunday.  I know it's getting closer to leaving when the bag comes out and the packing begins.