A Loss and a Great Day on the Court 14
Larry Turville got the best of me today 6-3, 6-0. It was one of the finest matches I have ever played on a clay court. Did I mention that Larry had a 105 match winning streak on clay
Larry Turville got the best of me today 6-3, 6-0. It was one of the finest matches I have ever played on a clay court. Did I mention that Larry had a 105 match winning streak on clay
One thing that is unique to playing tournaments is that you are playing each day and that helps you make adjustments day by day.
Delayed start today because of overnight rain so Jo Ann and I took a nice walk this morning by the pier. As we were walking along we spotted a dolphin. I have heard it is a sign of luck.
My match was scheduled for today at 9AM. I love playing early. Years of giving early morning tennis lessons trained me in being alert on the court right after getting up so, for me, the earlier the better
While sitting at breakfast this morning I checked the tournament website to make sure that my 1:00PM match time hadn’t been changed. Good thing I checked. My opponent, who had won his first round match yesterday defaulted. So, disappointingly, no match today.
It has been a bumpy road getting to this point in my preparation for this tournament. Lots of old demons that I thought had been jettisoned popped up.
My first competition of the year is two weeks away and I have been in the toughest period of my tennis life.
Why now?
I have been competing as a senior tennis player for 30 years. I have been fortunate to have had an incredible run during these years. I had results beyond my dreams and, more importantly, I have become a different person as a result of being in the heat of competition
A morning not too different than any other morning. Breakfast with Jo Ann reading the NY Times. Feeling pretty chilled. Happy and grateful for my life.
Then time to get down to the serious preparation for a big competition.
A successful day on the courts is when you play well and win, especially when challenged by good players who are playing well too. Today was a successful day for me.