Riding home with King The Todd, hearing of his philosophies on tennis
and his thoughts on peace, I felt like the 2 day trip to attend the
men's u.s. clay court championships in Houston was about a bit more than
just tennis. Discussions with Keck and the King about zoning laws,
European developments, Nugrape, class distinctions, dress codes, the
tsunami, seating charts, USTA appreciation day, court conditions, 6
cylinders, the father of Texas, Arabian mansions, warm up routines,
shades, house cab, ACC Women's soccer, westheimer street, cans of
Mexican beer, bulldogs, wedding expenditures, burned outs, real eggs,
weather forecasts, walk a bouts, clay court colors, player incomes,
courtesy cars, parking schemes, modern fabrics, apps, serve speeds, rare
infections, Adidas, Santa Fe, riff raff, airport proximity, financial
advisers, Houston confusion, cantinas, garland, schlotzkys, motivations
of religion, eternal life and ever expanding space.....
The dark red clay courts at the River Oaks Country Club were in
good condition when we arrived. After initially finding ourselves at a
poolside women's fashion show luncheon, we made our way over to the main
court. It was early, and play had not started. The big draw board and
a beer garden were under the huge live oaks outside the stadium. The
Club has hosted the event since 1991. Past champions include American
players Andre Agassi, Richey Reneberg, John Isner, and Andy Roddick.
Former President George H.W. Bush attends the event every year. Right
away it was evident the event was about much more than tennis for a
large portion of the attendees. The class separation was intentional.
I felt somehow elevated by the culture, like I belonged and was wanted.
Treated like a member, the run of the place. Peaceful. The players
were just walking by. Frenchman Jeremy Chardy was running laps prior to
his epic 3 set match with South African Kevin Anderson and I was able
to give applause and encouragement. As King The Todd was napping in the
grass under a shade tree, Teymuraz Gabashvili was stretching outside
the players area after his greatest ever doubles win preparing for a
singles match with the 6'9" Isner the same evening when Keck approached
him. "You go by the name Tsunami, right?", he asked as he congratulated
him on the victory over the vaunted Bryan Brothers, six time winners of
the event and bonafide legends.
"Not anymore", he said in low European tones, "But I could use some
tsunami against Isner tonight." He would go on to win that match,
wrapping up a lucrative day of professional tennis. In money and
points. The defending champion Verdasco took him out in the singles
Quarterfinals, but he would go on to win the doubles title with Ricardas
Berankis.
Perhaps the most noteworthy singles match we watched was our first,
Jack Sock vs the #2 seed, Juan Bautista-Agut. After warming up outside
the stadium by tossing footballs around with his coach, Sock destroyed
the vaunted clay court expert with massive serves and an incredible
forehand. Agut never had a chance. Despite some sloppiness, it was
clear Sock has the game for the top 10. Hearing of the adversity he and
his family had overcome the previous year cemented our admiration as we
continually seek the next great American player. Roddick was the last.
A favored American tennis son, especially after his 2002 u.s.. Open
win exactly a year after 9/11. Those bastards. Since then, only a
string of unfulfilled American potential as Federer, Nadal, Novak, and
Murray took over. Others, including Warwrinka, Berdych, Tsonga, and
Ferrer were the persistent 2nd tier. The 4th tier was where an American
could be found. James Blake, John Isner, Sam Querry, Steve Johnson, or
Mardy Fish. Gamers at points in the careers, but never a break
through. Only Isner's historic five set Wimbledon match against Mahut
sticks out, and he lost in the next round. Exhausted, but a legend.
Now, the emerging wave includes Nikoshori, Dimitrov, Raonic, a couple of
Australians, Anderson, and maybe, just maybe, American Jack Sock. At
last report he had reached the finals against Querry, which will be
broadcast on the tennis channel this afternoon. Tough time slot, up
against the final round of the Masters. It will be re run and I'll
record it for sure.
All this really inspires KOtC5 preparations. Keck has already
received inquiries, court logistics are coming together in partnership
with Justin Quest, King The Todd's early summer schedule is known. July
11 seems the likely tentative date. My health is adequate. Foot feels
really fine since customized insoles were utilized. Back cleared up
too. Only a recent elbow injury has me concerned, the victim of a huge
Joe Vita forehand in a recent 9-11 mahut loss. He hits a heavy shot.
Adoption of a two handed backhand and ice treatment should help. It
will not threaten my appearance in the tournament. Tempted to
compromise my goals and maneuver for the Earl crown, I continue to shoot
for the Duke. I see how Duke Keck is treated. I saw how Duke Vita was
beloved. Leo, of course, held the Duke title at one point. It is a
realistic goal, especially since Keck is having his best tennis year
ever and has his eyes on the Prince. The Duke could be wide open this
summer. The field is shaping up. Can former King James capture the
crown and continue the pattern of trading the throne with King The Todd?
Will Frank Friday show up? Billy Vita maybe? The regulars will be
there. Sellers and his dog. Keck has scouted the downtown Plano
Austrian eatery, Jorgs, for post tournament festivities. Rain is very
unlikely. J.d. Miles should return, but the USTA players can be
unreliable. They are buttered up with appreciation lunches and free
bags. As we walked quickly to King The Todd's car after the Friday
early session rainout, his lifetime USTA membership served him well.
The folded bag kept him dry, while keck and I just absorbed the drops.
As we wound our way through the mansions, the ones that kings, and
queens, and presidents live in, we felt the connection. We knew we were
supposed to see what we saw. We knew we were supposed to be
disappointed with the uncontrollable rain out. We knew our patience
would be tested in the crazy Houston traffic. It was good to leave, to
return to the northern part of Texas. We will avoid sugar and further
the peace movement. We will cheer for Jack Sock. Come on man, America
needs you.
Love this!!
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