She's back ~ L. Hamilton

23. | Ricciardo vs. Oxford

Ricciardo vs. Oxford

2023 Australian Open

First Round

"Ladies and gentlemen. Delaney Ricciardo, after a hiatus of six years, steps back onto the court she knows so well" the commentator spoke to the broadcast, millions tuning in "a journey filled with trials and triumphs bringing her to this very point. At an age where many have long retired, she stands tall, a living testament that passion and determination transcend the boundaries of time"

"Her journey has been nothing short of remarkable—a testament to the indomitable spirit that defines the champions of this game. The path that led her here was paved with trials and tribulations, with hours of unseen practice, relentless dedication, and an unwavering belief in her ability to rise once again. She's not just playing for points today; she's playing for every individual who's ever been told they're too old, for every athlete who's been counted out, for every dream that's been deferred but never forgotten"

"With each step she takes, she carries the hopes and dreams of every little girl watching, a beacon of inspiration illuminating the path for the next generation of athletes. Delaney is more than a player today; she is a symbol of unwavering spirit and unwavering determination"

"So let us all bear witness to this extraordinary moment, where history and heart converge on the court. Delaney Ricciardo, the face of women's sports, radiates a legacy that transcends the boundaries of age and time. She is not just playing for victory; she is playing to inspire, to ignite the flames of possibility in every heart that beats with a dream. Welcome back, Delaney, the stage is set and the world is watching"

__________________

I walked down the tunnel, the tunnel I'd walked a hundred times before. By myself, my head held up high with my bag hanging from my shoulder.

The only noise was from my shoes on the concrete floor, the noise of the crowd and the commentator getting louder as I approached the end of the tunnel.

I could see the end, a large entrance, I could see the net, the court, the referee, and the huge crowds. Waiting

I paused just before I would walk out, out into the light and everyone would look at me, all the cameras zooming in to my face. I felt my fingers fidgeting with the strap of my bag. What the fuck was wrong with me, I wasn't this nervous for my first ever tennis game.

I closed my eyes, absorbing the coolness coming from the concrete around me. I took a deep breath before I braced myself, waiting to hear the boos the second I step into the light.

Step by step, I walked out of the tunnel, I felt the crowd turn to look at me, bracing myself for the booing to start, like it had all throughout my career.

However it never came. Instead there was a slow rise in chanting 'Dela-ney, Dela-ney, Dela-ney'

People started screaming and cheering for me, I saw a little girl at the back, grabbing onto her dad and shaking him as she pointed to me, she looked like she was about to burst from excitement.

There were signs scattered across the crowd, some read  'welcome back!' or 'the bitch is back!' And 'show em what your made of Delaney!'

Even though I hated it, I couldn't hold back a smile as the cheering became deafening.

I waved around me at the crowd. Before taking my seat at my bench beside the court. Dropping my bag and water bottle. Madeline Oxford had already came out, the poor girl, she looked petrified.