Harmon Park
By Steve England
Crisp fall air and a low afternoon sun was the backdrop as an over extended tournament struggles to finish before the first snows obscure the service lines. On this last day of Daylight Savings - Thanksgiving and Football seems a more appropriate topic than tennis. Yet, there are a couple more matches to conclude.
Today's quarterfinal match features two 1st-year players. One of these new players is striving for a chance to make TowerTennis history. If CG can win - he'll become the only player to ever get a chance to make the finals not once, but twice!
CG arrives strutting to the court talking smack! Seemingly unfazed by such banter - KS wins the toss, and elects to receive.
Virtually every point in this match was a multiple-shot marathon where both players showed restraint until an advantage opened up. Rarely straying from moderately paced shots - the rallies were long and plentiful!
Despite opening with a double/double - CG's serve became noticeably stronger as the match progressed. His form was classic, and his serve powerful! Yet, KS had no problem returning even the most formidable of these monsters! KS frequently used a spinning backhand slice both deep and as a drop shot. KS also utilized a low profile flat shot which just barely missed the net each time. Although every point was hotly contested - KS seemed to make more unforced errors. There were several volleys KS returned while standing near the base-line. These shots most certainly would have landed long had KS permitted them to bounce - but CG usually converted these gifts into points won. In a typical game: KS finds himself triple break-point down. But saves one breaker after another to tie at deuce. Several Ad's are exchanged before KS hits long adding another game to CG's tally. On one set-point, CG rushes the net, only to fall to a surgically executed lob. One set-point saved - but more to come!
CG begins taunting KS with trash-talking banter! Then takes an unauthorized water break at 2-0 in the 2nd. Quickly called out for an illegal break - a hydration aspersion is made! CG's confidence grows with 1-set under his belt, and leading 5-2 in the 2nd. CG continues to taunt his opponent, uttering: "Are you ready for your last game of the year Kemo Sabe?" CG closes it out-winning 6-2,6-2. Advancing to his 2nd semifinal, and making TowerTennis history along the way!
CG's arrogance is good natured, and all in fun! His next opponent however, is unmatched when it comes to quick witted sarcasm. CG may very likely get a big dose of his own medicine playing JM. We'll see if he takes as well as he gives. All kidding aside: CG should be proud of his accomplishment! He's made history with his two semifinal appearances, and could conceivably make more with just a few winning strokes. Only one man stands between CG and the TowerTennis Finals... Who will win? It should at least be entertaining to watch the banter!
