The Holy Grail

Your TennisTitan very much enjoyed this afternoon's match with his Thursday group at the YTC. It was TT's final appearance this indoor season as he prepares for another short jaunt to the Florida circuit. But there is nothing that the Titan enjoys more than playing with Bill 'Energizer Bunny Legs' Tully, except maybe playing AGAINST 'EBL'. And today Titan got his wish. TT/'Mr Spin' Roy Marzullo paired for the first time in many months against 'EBL'/'Big Al' Dio Dati. Two splendid sets were completed that left all four participants well satisfied with the level of play displayed, yet probably mildly disappointed that they couldn't pull off a sweep. In the opener Titan reached very deep to effectively support 'Mr. Spin' at crunch time. 'Mr. Spin' had continued his mastery of the high lobs down the alley and the cross-court dinks that are vitually unstoppable early in the contest. But it was TT serving in the 9th game, down love-30, having just seen 'EBL'/'Big Al' erase a (4-2) deficit who pulled the iron out of the fire. Titan thought "Not again, the last time I had 'EBL' on the ropes (with 'Tutor' as my partner) Titan served for the set and lost a 40- love advantage and the set, (5-7). Damn, not again." Readers, that's right... NOT AGAIN. How sweet it was to capture the next four points, particularly so in acing 'Big Al' on two consecutive first serves and beating 'EBL' in an extended rally! Such gifts! Then to capture the set by breaking 'Big Al' in a relatively easy game as 'EBL's critical short cross ball went just wide to the amazement of TT. Can you say "ejaculation?" Well in the next set, post coital malaise must have set in. 'EBL'/'Big Al' rolled to a much easier (2-6) victory by winning 5 of the last six games. TT's/'Mr. Spin's levels dropped just enough as 'the man of limited movement reappeared.' 'EBL' took total command at net and re-commited himself to getting every ball back at the baseline. TT summed it up nicely as he left the court, "EBL, I think I will go rest on my laurels." To wit 'Big Al' chimed in, "Titan I screwed you out of playing time in our Tuesday group twice this season because I can't keep track of scheduling, perhaps you weren't scheduled to play the second set today?" "Touche, 'Big Al.'