Thank goodness....Sandy has finished...sooo glad that is over for our family and friends that have been affected. As well as anyone else in her pathway. May the good Lord continue to protect and care for you all!
Many thanks to Ruthie, David and Ray for coming out to watch Natalie today. Always nice to have support around, especially on a day of struggle on the court. Fun too, trying to teach tennis 101. It can be very confusing as many of you know.
Today has been a long day indeed, and still not over for me. Natalie played Sanaz today, who is a great young lady. Nat lost the first set rather quickly, was down 1-5 and battled back to 3-5 before losing it. She took control of the second set, well for the most part and was on top 6-2. The third set was much like the first, full of early Christmas presents for Sanaz. Meaning, errors by Natalie were free points for opponent. Not to take away from Sanaz, she certainly did what it took to win the match.
Totally frustrated coming off the court, Natalie was on her way to the tournament desk to find out about her "lucky loser" position. When a friend stopped her to let her know that she was indeed the "lucky loser" and was in the main draw. I'm going to attemp to explain what is meant by "lucky loser" without giving tooooo many details and it sounding confusing. Sooooo basically the players that lose in the last round of the qualifying draw become eligible "lucky losers". They are placed in an order, and if a spot in the main draw opens (due to illness, "no show", etc.) then the "lucky loser" gets that spot.
Natalie's quote upon finding out she was in the main draw after losing, "I've never been so honored to lose.....redemetion time". HHHMMM I like the way that sounds!
OK, now onto tomorrow. Nat will play Elizabeth Ferris (USA), second on after 10 o'clock which is code for 1ish. I'm sorry I don't know her ranking, draw is in bedroom with Nat and I'm not poking the bear at this time of night...wink, wink. I'm thinking she is ranking around 450ish or so.
After that, Natalie and Jackie will play the first round of main draw doubles. Against the third seeded team of Keys/Oudin. Both opponents are from the USA. Should be great doubles match. When Nat saw them on the "sign up" sheet she said she hoped that got to play them. A wish granted, what a lucky Dog....NatDog indeed!
Guess I need to try to rest these eyes, for I will be watching many bouncing yellow balls tomorrow. Until then....nite all! May the USA rest peacefully tonight after a long few days watching "Sandy's Eye"! God Bless America!
