Stefan Kozlov just defeated Yibing Wu in an afternoon thriller 75 26 64 and was walking back to the Newport Hall of Fame casino when his first round qualies opponent Aidan Mayo mentioned something that happened in their three set battle on Sunday. It seemed to be an apologetic tone or explaining his side of the story.
Kozlov immediately set the record straight that there was no issue at all and capped his message with “it’s all about love.” The brief exchange was symbolic for much respect all these ATP players have for each other despite week after week of vicious battles on the court where every players gives it their all.
Newport hitting partner for ATP WTA players this week Alex Merson, a 12 UTR from Babson College, has hit with Jason Jung, Mackenzie McDonald, Darwin Blanch, offered a realization about being so close to elite professional players… that he noticed it is more about business and a job aspects than the love and passion for playing this sport.
But an exception to that apparent tour trend are the doubles team of Cadence Brace and Katrina Scott who were being schooled by 4th seeds Ankita Raina and Prarthana Thombare of India 60 42. Suddenly the Canadian and American won a deciding point and it was 43 instead of 52.
Brace Scott were having more fun than any doubles team I ever saw. Laughing, giggling, covering their mouths in shock after making amazing shots, they stole the second set 75.
After the break Brace netted a return on the match tiebreak first point and fell into a 24 hole. Then one of the Indians clearly said come on during an overhead while ball was still in play… a flagrant verbal hindrance. Brace Scott argued for two minutes and the supervisor came out but the umpire refused to change her call and replay the point on hindrance. 52 and the Indians rolled to the 10-3 win.
I asked Bernard Tomic yesterday why he loves tennis and he replied, “I’m 33. Just going through the motions. Not sure how much longer I’ll keep going.”
Tomic lost today to Adam Walton 46 64 36 because his backhand wasn’t up to the task of being repeatedly challenged. Tomic delayed his exit from court 3… perhaps his grand finale in Newport… and happily took pictures with every fan who asked. Be also chatted with the security guy who escorted him to the locker room area. Tomic is a great guy and a real guy.
I gave Liam Broady a copy of my Rios book after he beat Andrew Ilagen 64 76. He offered to pay me but I said let’s trade a shirt or something for it. Yesterday Broady excitedly told me he loves Marcelo Rios, a fellow southpaw.
Love. It’s all about love…
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