tennis, life and a few things in between

Our run has just ended tonight. We have a big cheer for going this far! Could not have done it without the pretty women on our team. Big hearty thank you for being part of this first time team. I feel very privileged to hobnob with you for a season.
Jenn and I played 3D (in playoffs, first/second/third do NOT matter, each court worth 1 point). They won the toss – yes, we had one umpire, and opted to receive. I served first. Early in the match I was running down a shot to the right corner. When I called it out, our opponents jumped to the net asking if I was out of my mind. Ok, no, they were polite and asked if I was sure. I was sure before that. I did not reverse the call, but it did bother me throughout the match. Later there was a call that we felt was wrong. Then one by Jenn they did not like .. So I suggested to the girl crossed the net,
“Maybe we should get a line person?”
She replied politely, “that’s a good idea.”
Neither of us acted on it.
During the second set, Jenn served wide to the ad court. It was close. She hesitated and ultimately failed to return. They looked at each other and just shrugged: she could have called it out. It just reaffirms most players are honest and fair. We won 6-3, 6-2, I think our lobs made the difference. Thanks to Simon, even he has shifted his love to Jenn -:). Also big thanks to Ralph who drilled us on Friday and Monday. It gives me a lot of confidence.

Oh, after the warm up, Jenn went to Ralph to the protest of our opponents. It appeared to be, as coaching. Jenn’s right wrist has been hurting and Ralph has been trying to be helpful. (My back has been hurting too, so Ralph gave me some sticky pads to use.) After she parted from Ralph – I think something is happening other than tennis .. -:) I told her please, please please pretty, do not do it again, regardless what you’ve been talking about. During a match, I wanted to hand camera to a friend, so I asked my opponent if I could do so. She said fine and offered to take picture for us. This may avoid some unnecessary ill feelings.

Many friends and foes came to cheer us up. The most jaw dropping moment of the night is when a husband who has come to my home for dinner couple of times walked by me without a greeting. Yes, I could have said hello .. .. but I didn’t because I wanted to see what is he made of. I always consider men in general are just more worldly than women. Guest Mommy Eng is always wrong -:)

More pix in gallery, on FB; FB too

Jenn and I played the 2D. (pix on FB) They won the toss and opt to receive. Of course Irene goes to serve and promptly lost it. We were trailing 0-2 and Jenn held hers after many deuces. We took first set 6-4 eventually. We once again, trailing 2-5 in the second set despite we encouraged each other to hold on and finish the job without going into the third set. When I was serving 40-15 at 5:5, I failed to win that game. I saw both our (1D and 3D) courts lost. We were able to come back to force a tie break but lost.
During the first set, there was a long good lob that landed on or near the baseline. Steph was up front by the net and she yelled: OUT. Her partner was at the baseline and returned it. We eventually lost that point. I think Steph should have said “bounce” instead. It should have been our point right after she yelled it out. I didn’t argue because should they want to dispute, I don’t have rule book with me: the league should allow the electronic version on rule book.
I began the 3rd set tie break and lost the point immediately. Sight. There were many players watching, friends and foes. When we were 4-4, I hit a backhand down the line swing valley and it kissed the line. None of us heard the girl

in red called it out. Stephanie said nothing. After we changed court, the red shirt said 5-4. Jenn and I looked at each other, said, “No, it’s 4-5.” The red shirt came to our side of the court, pointed out that she has called it out.
It was NOT out.
But it’s their call. So they were serving at 5-4.
Jenn has been playing so well and hard, I really don’t have heart to lose this match. They reached the match point first, at 9-7. Then we won three points in a row and got match point at 10-9, Jenn to serve. They hit a return that went long.
I was very happy that finally I did something for the team.
Many have asked me if I knew ours is the deciding match. I said no but I had the feeling that it is .. because I knew we already lost 2 courts. Few mates commented that they’d like to play such match. I agree. The pressure and triumphs, is what makes this league play interesting.
Thank you guys for being there for us!!
It feels great!! More pix on FB

Jenn’s recollection:

I was serving at 10-9 and took my time. We were down at 8-9 with opponent serving. They lost the match point, the energy and the believe. We won 3 points in a roll to get into the FINAL.

Watching Wimbledon men’s final between Roger Federer and Andy Murray. Andy’s mom Judy is very intense, yelling and jumping. She just makes it harder to cherry for her son. Not Andy is popular and has won any slam. Lady, pls display some manner and adhere to the etiquette. This isn’t hot dog eating baseball. Oh I take that back: sushi at CitiField for a while already. I miss Monica Seles’ Dad who would cheer for both girls. The way should be.

Serena Williams has a very happy Saturday: she won her 5th singles and few hours later the doubles with her sister Venue. Congrats!! Hopefully she’ll be around for another five great years.