Oh My Goodness

It's been a long day.  We watched Tom's 8:30 singles match this morning, with their doubles scheduled around 12.  Tom won the first set of singles, was down 1-5 in the second, and felt a tweak in his foot.  He decided he would forfeit the third set so he could save himself for the doubles later. 

As Phil was readying himself for the doubles match, I was watching other matches.  Then came the dark clouds.  I hightailed it to the dining hall knowing the rain was imminent. Good decision.  The rain came and so did everyone else from the courts.  Turns out it was a rain delay that lasted from 11:30 to 5:30.  Not knowing how long it would take for the courts to dry, we couldn't leave.  So we just talked, laughed and waited.

They finally got on at 5:30. Here we go.  It was late afternoon skies to start with, then dusk,  then under the lights to finish.  The match was everything and more than I expected.  Tom and Phil played a great first set.  After a very close set, they went to a tiebreaker.  The guys went up 6-3 in the breaker, and I breathed a small sigh, thinking they could close the set out.  Oh contraire.  The Austrians came up with some unbelievable shots and stole the set.  Down but not out, Phil and Tom kept fighting.

Another great second set of doubles continued.  Tom and Phil were able to take the second set 6-4.  Really nerve wracking now because a 10 point tiebreaker is played in lieu of a full third set.  By now the lights are on.  The breaker begins and I'm about to puke from nervousness.  Phil and Tom went ahead early and kept the lead.  They were up 9-3. Only needed one more point to win.  My breathing became easier.  So I thought.... 9-4. 9-5. 9-6. 9-7. 9-8.  I'm having to be resuscitated at this point.  Thankfully they won the next point to win 10-8. Whew!

Oh my goodness.  It was a great match.  And I can honestly say that win or lose, all four players left it on the court.  On to the semis finals tomorrow.  Phil and Tom play a very good Australian, Andrew Rae and an American player from San Francisco, Dan Grossman.  Grossman is the unknown factor because he plays most of his tennis overseas.  I think Phil and Tom can pick on him enough to make a difference.
 
Tomorrows match will be not before 11:30. 

Pictures below of the airplane of the day, flags of the participating countries and the end of long day under the lights