June 8, Fairfax Racquet Club Match Thoughts

Carvajal/Lucas 6-7 (5-10), 2-4 versus Buncha-Bums (The Foot Fault Guy)

 

Hola Roberto-Guillermo,

 

I've had a few minutes to think about the tennis match the other night.  I haven't come to any big conclusions about anything, but do have a few thoughts on the match. 

 

As to being match tough, I suppose there is something to say about that.  From my perspective, it's not about getting nervous or tense.  I think of match tough as being smart about where to hit the ball, should I hit a first-serve or spin it in?, which side of the box should I hit to, and how to construct a point.

 

It seems that your definition of "match tough" is getting over the anxiety and nervousness during the match.

 

Either definition is fine.  I do agree that with more matches we will be better able to win closer sets, and take advantage of opportunities that present itself. 

 

The biggest lost opportunity that grates on me is not holding serve when serving for the set.  All the pressure to win the game sits on the opponent, not us.  We should be able to play a relaxed game, hit percentage shots and keep the ball in play.  Let's force the opponent to try and come up with the big winner.  If they do, then great, otherwise we take the set.

 

From a more personal nature, I was annoyed we weren't able to get close to breaking that guys serve.  We had two break points against him which I was enthused about getting.  I think the points were lost when he hit a service winner to you, and the other when I returned the serve, but then netted a forehand down the middle of the court.  That forehand irritated me.

 

I noticed that it was far easier to return his serve when I stood 6-7' behind the baseline.  I didn't have to react quite as quickly so I had more time to line up my shot and make sure to use the strings rather than the frame to return the ball.

 

I was happy with our overall play.  I haven't played much at all.  Your play has been limited as well.  Yet we still came out very strong and were competitive.  Isn't your doubles league with Lynne over?  I'm sure that league helped you in our matches.

 

So, no big earth-shaking thoughts on the match.  Do you know when and where our next Sunday 6PM match at Burke is?

 

Later, K-Rod