She's back ~ L. Hamilton

25. | I bet on loosing dogs

In my next match I beat an American I've never played before in straight sets. When I finally take the game with an ace. I jump into the air and spin. I bounce on both my feet and throw my hands in the air.

In my post match press conference. I am still jumpy, still pumped. My victories, no matter how early in the tournament are amazing.

Months of preparing, months of lying awake at night scared. But now the test is here, and I am killing it.

The first few questions are the usual softball ones. "How does it feel to be back on the court" "did you expect to win your first two matches" "what is it like to have your uncle back as your coach"

I answer honestly "it feels great to be back out there" "I expect to win every match I play, if I didn't I wouldn't be here" "my uncle and I are both grateful for this opportunity to work together again"

A man in a sweater speaks up "Delaney, what do you say in response to players like Anna Wade?"

"I'm not sure what you mean by that?"

"This morning in her post match, she said that you should have stayed on the bench"

This was news to me. I'd see Anna around in the locker rooms, tall and boring, with white hair and large shoulders and a pep in her step that only a teenager can have.

"She said that she hadn't heard of you until you announced your return" he continued, I kissed my teeth before responding

"That's ridiculous, everyone in tennis has heard of me, most of the world has heard of me, there's a statue of me at the entrance of this tournament" I leaned away from the microphone, finished speaking as I crossed my arms. But then I leaned back into it "she can trash talk me however she wants, but let me say this. I'm grateful for every single women who stood here before me. You don't see me going around asking who the original 9 are, do you? No, because I know what I owe them. I know whose shoulders I'm standing on. If Wade doesn't, that's on her"

"But" he follows up "is there any truth to her statement? Some people are saying that this comeback is a stunt. What's your response?"

I can hear the shuffling of papers, the movement of microphones. But all eyes remain on me.

"I've proven so far that my game is outstanding" I say "so everyone can whine and moan all they want about me being here, but I've earned the right"

Everyone's hands immediately go up. There is a women, young and focused sitting on the edge

"How are you feeling about the challenge ahead?" She says "your return may be controversial but there are many spectators out there thrilled to see you playing again. Is it expected you'll be playing Violet Jackson in the next round. She seams to be the first player  who could match your power. She's also one of the favourites to win the tournament. How scared should your fans feel about seeing your run continue? How confident do you feel?"

I smile. I smile wide. Until it grows into a laugh. "I'm going to crush Violet Perez and anyone else I have to play on my way to play Nicki in the final. I'm going to make them bleed"

For a fraction of a second, none of the reporters in the room say anything, not sure what to say.

God. I've missed this.

___________

Transcript:

Paul Tribben: ...... and Liam Black appears to be doing better than anticipated. He annihilated Mark Simmons in the first round and even held up against Briggs Lomal