Delaney Ricciardo is fierce and her determined to win at any cost has not made her well liked. But by the time she retires from tennis she is a twenty four grand slam winner and regarded as the greatest tennis player the world has ever seen.
But si...
Paul Tribbens: and Delaney Ricciardo put before the quarter finals? What do we make of that?
Rachel Roberts: I think it was an excellent showing.
Brian Albus: it was what we all knew it would be, which was a failed attempt at a comeback
Roberts: I mean, yes. Ultimately if she's going to be a contender to win a slam this year, you'd want to see her get past the round of 16
Tribbens: if she can't make it to the final in Melbourne when Nicki Li's gone home with a bum ankle, she has no shot at a slam title this year. Especially once the beast comes back. And you all know I'm no big fan of Li. I can't get over the grunting. But she is the best player in the world right now. So this was Ricciardo's chance to take a title, and it's over.
Albus: yes, the last part, I can agree with
Roberts: Look at that! For once we all agree
Tribbens: turning over to the quarterfinals, I think Anna Wade can take this thing to the end
Roberts: Absolutely not, Natasha Swift is going to stop her.
Albus: Well, Li's no spring chicken. Who takes the reins after the beast is done? This could be Wades or Swifts moment. To take a slam while she's out. To show us what the future of tennis looks like.
****
Twelve hours later we land and make our way home, where I sleep for 12 hours. I had planned to spend the next day alone in my room with the curtains drawn, ordering expensive pizza. But twelve hours later when I open my eyes. I make myself get up and turn on the television. I want to confirm what I already expected.
Anna Wade is on my tv screen holding up at Australian Open Trophy. She's won the goddam final against Swift.
She looks so happy, standing there. Like the young child she is. So full of joy and eagerness. Her face is beaming, her skin glowing in the Australian sun.
When did I loose that? The delight of success? When did winning become something I needed in order to survive? Something I did not enjoy having, but simply panicked without it.
Before I know what I am doing, I am in shorts and a T-shirt knocking on my uncle doors at eight thirty in the morning on a rest day.
He opens his door in his robe and slippers. But when he sees me, he wakes right up.
I say "let's play"
"All right" he says "let me gather my notes on what we need to work on"
I shake my head "no. Just me and you. Playing a match. For fun. No drills"
My uncle smiles and claps his hands in delight "Adoro questo piano!"
He puts his hand up for a high five. I laugh and slap it "dammi cinque minuti" Marco says "e poi giochiamo"
When he comes out, there is a bounce in his step and a grin on his face.
He takes the first serve, and then I kick his ass.
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