Tangled in Trophies- Lando Norris

13. Australian Open

Evangeline zipped her suitcase shut, her mind already drifting halfway across the world to Melbourne. She'd left her flat meticulously clean, with everything in its proper place—she hated the idea of coming back to a mess. Her packed bags sat by the door, ready to go, but a faint sense of restlessness gnawed at her. It always happened just before a big tournament: the fine balance of excitement, apprehension, and the pressure she couldn't ignore.

As she sat on her bed, her phone buzzed with Olivia's name on the screen. She picked up, grateful for the familiar voice.

"Hey! So, this is it—Australia!" Olivia's tone was bright, unbothered by the early hour. "Are you all set for the flight?"

"Yeah, all ready to go," Evangeline replied, allowing herself a soft smile. "Just...doing the usual double-check."

"I'll bet. You nervous?"

Evangeline took a moment to consider. "Maybe a little, but not about playing. I just don't want the season to feel like last year's."

There was a pause on the line before Olivia spoke, her voice gentler. "I get it. But maybe this year, you don't have to shoulder all of it alone? You've got me, and Clara's been a lot more understanding, right?"

"Yeah, she has," Evangeline admitted, though the thought was more comforting than she'd let on. "I guess it just feels...heavy, you know?"

Olivia's laugh came softly through the phone. "Then let the Aussies carry some of it with you. They'll love you out there, I'm sure of it. Just go out there and be yourself."

Evangeline took a steadying breath. "I'll try. Thanks, Liv. I'll keep you posted."

"Good! I'll be glued to the TV every match," Olivia promised. They said their goodbyes, and as Evangeline hung up, a fresh surge of determination sparked in her.

Just as she was about to leave, her phone rang again—this time, Clara.

"Evangeline! All set to go?" Clara's voice came through, brisk and businesslike, as always.

"Yeah, all packed and ready."

"Perfect. I wanted to touch base on a few things before you're off. The press will be watching closely—Melbourne's always a big deal, and we've managed to get you some good media slots while you're there."

Evangeline's brows knit slightly. "Can we keep it light? The focus should really be on the matches."

"Of course, but it's worth thinking about. This season could be pivotal for you, especially with the new deals and fans warming up after that last shoot, just letting you know thatafter the open there's going to be another event back here in London, it's unfortunately required that all sponsored athletes attend." Clara's tone softened, almost as if she were offering encouragement. "Just remember, you've got options. Lean on me when you need it, alright?"

A hint of gratitude flickered across Evangeline's face. "Thanks, Clara. I'll do my best to keep the balance."

As she ended the call, she glanced around her flat one last time, her thoughts now clear and focused. She was ready to tackle whatever awaited her on the other side of the world.

~~~~~~~~~~~~
After a long flights and what seemed like an even longer rest day before her first match the day was finally here, and Evangeline felt more ready then ever.

The roar of the crowd echoed through the corridors as Evangeline waited in the tunnel, gripping her racquet tightly. The Australian sun was bright and unforgiving outside, casting a harsh, white-hot glow across the court. Even before stepping out, she could feel the intensity—a kind of electricity that seemed to pulse from the stands, vibrating through the concrete walls around her. This was it: the opening round of the Australian Open.