Morning from Midland! Natalie is learning all kinds of lessons while here in Michigan. Most of which are coming out of the mouths of babes, children. One of which told her that she fell down the stairs (on first day here), because she was going down them with socks on her feet. You never ever should wear socks.
Yesterday's second round of the qualifying singles draw began around one o'clock for Natalie. Playing the second seed Murry, 204. She found herself leading the first set till it was 4-3. Then a couple of errors at the wrong time and she lost the first set 4-6. Must say, she is playing awesome tennis and her mental game has developed to a new level. Progress indeed! Natalie found herself down 2-4 in the second set before reeling some huge first serves and ground strokes to close out four straight games and the set 6-4.
The end of the second set had more drama then just a rough start. For it was very clear at the end of it, Natalie was nursing a lower back issue, possible pulled muscle. After the set break, we witnessed her very gingerly stand up and walk to the line....hmmmm not good. Although the third set score of 0-6, didn't reflect the effort, Natalie played a solid set. Hats off to Murry for winning the third and a great match of tennis.
Waiting for our gal to emerge from the trainer's room, many wonderful Midland spectators greeted me. It always amazes us, how many people attend this tournament and support Natalie and all players. It really has become one of our top favorite tourneys in a great part to the community's involvement and attendance. It is always more fun for a player to perform for an audience then empty seats. Very special!
Upon Nat's emergence, she explained that the trainer believes that the fall down the stairs was the beginning to the back issue and of course, playing aggravated the problem. Today, we will decide to seek medical attention or not. A lesson learned.....wooden stairs are a sock free zone, your back depends on it.
Last night was the players party. Which in the spirit of this tourney..... great party! Woody, his staff and the Midland Country Club always do a fantastic job. With 1,500 desserts....what was not to love??? We enjoyed the desserts and the fellowship with Tom, Cindy and Jason Cook. Other highlights of the evening included a video of the past winners of the Dow Corning Tennis Classic. As well as the introduction of the players. As a mom, it never gets old to hear your daughter thank the tournament folks, sponsors, volunteers. But when she thanks them for giving her the opportunity to "serve" via the community outreach programs....you know as a mom you have done something right. Could not be more proud of Natalie then in that moment in time!
Today, the double draw will begin but not for our team. For they will not play until Thursday, and we are hoping it will be a featured match. Won't know for sure until the schedule is released on Wednesday. From this point forward there will be live video feed of the matches and live scoring. You can find the live feed link on the USTA site under the Professional Tennis link. I will post link for Natalie's next match.
Because I want to give you a "taste" of our desserts and fellowship, please enjoy the pictures below:
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| Many thanks to Cindy Cook for picking Natalie & Emily up at the airport! |
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| So very proud of this and all speeches....."thanks for the opportunity to serve"! |
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| Choices.... |
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| The pride of Midland....Meghan Woody! |
