After compiling a mini-streak of seven matches against the top-ranked players in Florida's Men's 45 division, T.A. would need mega upsets to keep the mini-streak alive.
It’s been many a year since I’ve been on a win streak, even a mini streak like the seven-match streak I’ve mounted recently. But alas, I must visit the streak hospice, where all dear streaks reside before winking out to inevitable defeat.
Next up? The USTA National Men’s 45 Clay Court Championship in Fort Lauderdale, and unless all of my Mom’s prayers for miracles coalesce at once, defeat is surely on the horizon. It may survive a few matches longer, but, I fear the end is near.
Some accuse me of having a defeatist attitude, because I mourn my streak before its official demise. But come now, I am merely a realist. Sure, I have posted wins in the past three events over players who finished 2007 ranked 1, 4, 5, and 6 in Florida’s Men’s 45, but any of those players can beat me on any given day. Plus, this is Nationals we’re talkin’ here! How many off days can I hope for from the top players in the country…in the world for that matter?
All that said, I’m excited about the chance to play the upper echelon players. Of course to do so I’ll have to get though my first two rounds. If I’m fortunate enough to get past those first two matches, more than likely, No.6 seed Pablo Arraya will be waiting.
I don’t know Arraya nor his game, but I suspect he still has a bit of the world class talent that allowed him to be ranked among the top 30 tennis players on the planet before he stumbled over Father Time and other endeavors. If the tennis gods, and my humble game grant me the opportunity, I look forward to the challenge of coming up with a game plan to craft an upset.
