Prelude to a Celebration

"Titan, you cannot blame me for your failures this time" opined Vladimir 'Russkie' Kartsev at the end of play at the Yonkers Tennis Center this day. Vlad had teamed with the 'immobile minotaur' for two sets against 'Big Al' DioDati and Max 'Tutor' Tuchman. I read your blog from Tuesday and if you cannot beat 'Prez' how can you expect me to do enough for you to win against two opponents who know what they are doing on the court? 'Russkie' was firing Soyuz rockets both on and off the court in the (2-6, 3-6, 2-2 partial) shellacking administered by the September Birthday Boys, Max and Al. For his part TT came away more satisfied with his play compared to the feeble attempt at mediocrity demonstrated against 'Prezidente' (see Sept. 15th entry). The 'bombastic blowhard' brought some occasional pop to his serve and moved without pain (albeit slowly) to the ball. The 'Dacha Doctor' has stone hands at net and reacts hesitatingly to any ball not hit into his strike zone. "But at least I attempt to get to the net to get a short ball" critiqued the literary giant. "It is you, Titan, who is on a five year plan like my old government in playing points." As the teammates bickered at net 'Tutor' came up with a reasonable solution. "There is only one doubles team you two have a chance of beating today: Dom and Vinnie. Let's find them, maybe they'll serve - I hope it's dinner! "