Hi Everyone,
It has been a pretty long time since my last blog entry. I know I’ve been out of touch for a while now, but from now on, I will try to check-in once a week or so. This is actually one of my New Year resolutions!
Anyway, I am still excited about my tournament win in Memphis last week. I had not won an ATP 500 before, so it’s safe to say that it was my biggest career win yet. It was not easy playing John in the finals since we’re really close friends. I’ve been saying that if it had to be anyone else to win the event, I’d want him to win, and I definitely mean that. We both understand that it’s competition and that there will be times when I win, and other times when he walks away with the victory. Clinching the doubles with him was an extra. We have played some decent doubles matches together, but never this well. We felt good that we were able to get the win, especially considering that we were a couple points away from being eliminated in the 2nd round (we were proud of our comeback in the 3rd set breaker in our first round match).
The Memphis tournament is always a good one. It’s nice that the hotel is so close to the tournament site, and you can’t beat the breakfast at Blue Plate! Is it strange that I ate there nearly almost every morning? Speaking of meals, John and I grabbed food at a steakhouse the night before the finals. We had a bet going, which is not very unusual for us, as we both love competing. I lost in credit card roulette, and I had to pay for the entire meal. John was of course ecstatic and is still rubbing it in. But, I am still better in poker!
My mother was with me the entire week. It was nice that she was able to come see me play. She does well to hide her nerves, even though it must not be easy. A special thanks to Mom, who has been always so supportive, and to my coach David, thanks for all your advice.
This week, I am in Acapulco, but I am a little worn out. I played a lot last week, and had some rough matches. Plus I had to play on clay in Mexico, which is a sudden switch. Acapulco is great though, and even though I already lost, I can still look forward to doubles with John (and beating him in poker at night). It is nice for us to get some matches on clay before heading out for Davis Cup next week. I can’t wait to get Serbia for our tie against them!
Well, I guess this is it for today; I’ll be back very soon. Till then, thanks for all your support; I truly appreciate it.
Sam