Perception of play is a funny thing. How others think of your play throughout a match, and how you feel like you played throughout out a match can be on opposite ends of the spectrum. Today was no different. I thought Phil played well. Particularly the first set. He disagrees.
The first set today, Phil and Tom couldn't miss. They were sharp with volleys, moving well in sync and could hardly miss. The other team was missing and not able to keep up. The set was over quickly at 6-2 for Tom and Phil. Early in the second set I could feel a slight momentum change. The opponents stopped missing as much. Phil and Tom made a few more errors. As the set progressed, the opponents starting using the lob to their advantage. The soft balls were harder to return in the sun and the wind. After an early break of Phil's serve at 2-2, Andrew and Dan went on to win the set 6-3. No big deal. Another 10 point tiebreaker for the third set again. I think my heart can take it....maybe.
I felt like they needed an influx of good energy to get through the tiebreaker. I didn't see the same positive body language going into the breaker. But I was wrong. They won the first two points. Up 2-0. On a roll. In quick time, with missed volleys, returns and lobs they went down quickly 8-2. I could see the frustration building and the harder they tried the tighter they played. Losing the tiebreaker 10-5 and the match was so disappointing....especially for Phil. He really felt like this was the best chance he's had to win a World Championship in a long time. Last night we lived by a tiebreaker win, and today we died by a tiebreaker loss.
It's hard to find consoling words for someone you care so much about, and you know exactly how they feel... having been on the losing end of matches many times. My heart aches for him. We both realize there are way more important things in life than winning or losing a tennis match. We'll dwell shortly, then move on to the rest of our most blessed and wonderful life.
We will hang out tomorrow and watch some of the final matches before heading home. We'll be back to work on Monday. We are so appreciative of all our members who are so supportive and understanding of our time away. We do our best to represent our club well. Also a big shout out to Betsy for not only holding down the fort at work, but for taking care of Ellie. That's a full time job in itself!
Last pictures of the plane of the day and of our good family friend Steve Duffel who stopped by today.
1 comment:
Dang. Two of my greatest seniors tennis heroes, Tom and Phil. Guessing that Andrew Rae's partner wasn't so much of a wink link, after all. Have watched Mr. Rae beat Fred Robinson and marveled at his ability to hit offensive flat shots off both sides at other tournaments. Even got to lose to him once in doubles. :-) *Great* player.
So, no third/fourth playoff?
Kevin Bryant
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