Matchpoint

Chapter 60:

It's nice to be back on the court with Dom. This is something I feared I'd never get to share with him again, and yet here we are.

I let my sunglasses slide down my nose as I watch Dom from across the grass. The sun is beating down against my skin, I'm sure I'll be left with a sunkissed tan.

Dom keeps glancing up in my direction, as if he has to make sure I'm truly here. I don't blame him, I fear I continue to do the same.

"You guys are like some sporting lovestory," Holly mutters beside me, hoping from foot to foot to keep herself warm.

Since her loss, she's been sticking close by, not quite ready to leave the Wimbeldon scene just yet.

I mean, she's been earning herself a lot of media time, with many journalists wanting to ask her how it feels to play at Wimbeldon for the first time and make it all the way to the semis. It's an incredible achievement. She's finally broken into the sixties, placing 65th on the ratings.

"Maybe I need to start looking for a proper tennis boyfriend." Holly mutters, her head lulling sideways as she glances at Jayce. The poor boy has been trying desperately to cheer Holly up since her loss, but he's failing miserably as of right now.

With a chuckle, I pat her on the shoulder and make my way over to Dom and Paul.

"Alcaraz has all-court versatility." I begin to speak, catching Dom's attention. "He'll play aggressively, especially on the baseline. He'll lure you into the net before sending a bold strike out back. No chances at a lob."

"He'll play a fast game." Dom nods slowly, his hand falls gracefully on his hip, the other gripping his racquet. "His speed is insane, I've never seen someone react to a shot so fast. He's everywhere at once."

"So, we'll need to rob him of that speed with strong serves. He's a rhythmic player and plays off instinct, but his instinct usually leads him into the consistent play." I peer down at my notebook. "We exploit this by playing spontaneously. But not immediately. We lull him into this false sense of comfort, and then we start mixing up the game play."

Dom's watching me like I'm glowing.

"I love the way you think." He grins devilishly, and I feel heat flourish in my cheeks.

Paul chuckles, his head shaking slightly. "My pocket rockets, Alcaraz will be considering a switch up in his play. The whole tennis world knows how well you two work together. This level Dom's about to play, it's not going to be as simple as game play and strategies. It's gonna be instinct and mental strength. Alcaraz is a strong player, and so are you, Dom. This won't just be about who can outplay each other. It'll be a mental game. Who can keep going, who's willing to go the whole way." Paul pats Dom on the back lovingly. "You gotta get that temper in check. You gotta stay calm. You gotta stay focused."

"I want this." Dom nods at Paul. "There's nothing I want more."

Those words, they spark the fire. We've come so far. It's twenty-four hours before the final match. This means Dom needs one more practice hit, a rally with me, and then it's rest and relaxation.

For most players, the wait for the final game is the longest wait ever known to man.

That's why the next steps after this are the most important. We're not going to over prepare him.

Ice bath, last-minute video run through, and a pre-match interview, and then it's off to the hotel for rest and a good night's sleep.

The morning will call for an early run. Nothing fast pace, just a steady jog. Then, a meal by Philip before getting dressed and heading to the vicinity.