Father's Day Final

This past weekend I entered in a USTA 3.5 singles and 4.0 doubles with a friend, Romy. The event was held outside of the City about 45 minutes south. Foster City is a community that was incorporated in 1971. It was evident when I drove into this nicely manicured area. Everything had it's place.

The tournament was held in three locations of the city and I ended up playing at both. Weather for the first two days was crazy. It was windy, cold and miserable for June! However, I sucked it up like the rest of the draw and played.

A good friend of mine told me when I last played in a tournament I was not "match tough". So I decided to play in this tournament to get me going.

The first few rounds I sort of got through without any heavy challenges. I encountered another friend along the way but he was manageable. By some reason, I worked my way into the final. It was a surreal moment. Both my opponent and I were treated to an "official" final set up. They had an official who informed us of our final event and congratulated us. She also did the coin toss to have one of us decide on who will serve first. To top it off was a photographer from the Foster City Tennis Club to take our photos before, during and after the match. Is this what finalists are subjected to every time? This was sweet!

Match time. My opponent was a mature guy from the City as well. Our warm up seem to be similar in style and pace. As soon as our five minutes ended, I began to slowly realize this wasn't a routine opponent like in my previous matches.

Our first 4 games lasted over half an hour. Sounds familiar, Isner vs. Mahut Wimbledon 2010? Well not as grand as that of course, but we were at it for quite some time. I was the first to break down, as I was rallying with him, seeing his style of play I began to see why. I am playing a guy who played just like me and I had no idea on how to beat him. I played an efficient Frenchmen. Despite the weather being ideal, I had no answers to break him down.

All in all, the score went in his favor, one and one. I congratulated him on well constructed match and win. But after we shook hands this guy couldn't stop chatting on how it was hard to tame me....okay, I just lost and your still talking?

Overall, we enjoyed our competition. If I had to do it again to get to a final, you bet. It's been a long time since I got one of these things. I am fortunate to get support from the home front, otherwise, I couldn't get motivated.

What's next? Another go at a 3.5 singles title? Or just move on to 4.0? Nah, stick with 3.5 and work my way into another final. Hopefully it won't take another Father's Day final to win one.

3.5 Singles Results
4.0 Doubles Results