Next up.....round of 16.....let's go

The round of thirty-two started at around 11 o'clock for Natalie.   There seemed to be a mix up on the coin toss, the coin had a H on one side and a T on the other.  When the opponent was calling it in the air, she noticed the letters and didn't understand the coin.  But after a short explanation and a few giggles the match was on the way.

Natalie took control early and went up 2-1.   Then down 2-3.  Then up 4-3.  Then down 4-5.  Then up 6-5.  Then to a breaker.  Going up quick in the breaker and in full control Natalie won the breaker and set 7-5(4).  Going up in the second brought attention to her opponent's lack of effort or possible problem with an injury.  Seemed as though she stopped using her legs in the serve and running down some of the points.  Not sure what was going on, but Natalie kept up the pressure and cruised into victory lane winning the second set 6-1.  Onto the round of 16 with that win!  Woot!

The opponent for tomorrow's 10 o'clock match is Madison Brengle (USA).  She is the second third seed.  Natalie and Madison played each other in Yakima in 2012, one of Nat's first pro matches.  Madison is one of the most crafty players on tour, I really enjoy watching her.  This round of 16 match will be good tennis amongst friends, which always a great match.

A little "soapbox" side note......dear tennis parents.....please, please, please....represent yourself and your player well.  Witnessed a horrible example of a tennis parent today, embarrassed for her and her player.  A reputation is a terrible thing to waste, so is a first impression.   Sooo sad indeed!

Time to put this blog entry to bed and me tooo....yea ...yea....it's only 7:25 p.m. but.....I'm still recovering from my recent surgery.....so have a lil excuse!  Love and Blessings......Sherry!

Hey Y'all from a "dry" Macon, Georgia

Hey Y'all from a "dry" Macon, Georgia.  Amazing how many memories of Beth Choate-Wortman and junior tennis have flooded the mind this week.  For those that don't know, Beth was Natalie's first coach at age four.  Who was on her way to watch Nat (and others) play our state junior qualifying draw, when she lost her life in a car wreck.  Leaving behind her lovely husband, two very small children and her lovely parents.  Natalie would probably say  one of the most live changing events in her life.  However, we celebrate Beth's life and legacy through Natalie's successes, as well as the successes of other children that Beth coached.  Not to be overshadowing the two most important legacies....her children Luke and Mattie.  

I still marvel today, at Natalie strength through such a horrible event.  After speaking with two other wonderful coaches Rick and Brian, she decided to continue in the tourney.  Playing a morning  match then going home to bury her beloved coach only to return the next day to play tennis.  Her determination to "win" for Beth was felt by all those in attendance.  And win she did, both on and off the court by the person she has become, a true tribute to Beth's influences.   

.....drying tears......

Yesterday was a busy day on the court, and thankful a "dry" day.  Natalie took to the court at 9 a.m. vs.  Michele Sammonds.  A very nice player and young lady.  Going down in the first Nat regained control and won in 6-3.  The second set didn't go so well.  Although Michele played better in the second set, Natalie was making too many unforced errors.  The effects of the second set still reeling in Nat's mind kept her from starting strong in the third.  Going down 1-4.  So happy to say and see her regain control of her mind and the set.  Reeling off 5 straight games to serve herself into victory.  Soooo much gained from that match mentally.  With that third win, Nat earned a spot into the main draw.

Doubles started at 4:30 p.m.  Nat and Jac started very strong, hitting winner after winner.  Winning the first set very quickly, maybe 20-25 minutes.  Natalie continued to play well in the second set, running down some balls that amazed the audience....including me!  Our team fell in the second due to sloppy tennis, altho the opponents did apply a little more pressure.  The breaker in lieu of the third set, started rough with our gals going down 0-6.  We battled back, but tooo little toooo late and lost the the breaker and match.

Onto the main draw info and today's match.  Natalie will play second on after 10 o'clock.   She will be facing Angelica Moratelli (ITA).  Who is ranked 323.  We don't know this young lady, from the looks of her record she chases points in Europe.  Mostly at 10K and 25K tourneys.   

Time to shower and dress ....then.....the lil yellow ball will bounce....until then.....Love and Blessings....Sherry!

Wet in Macon

After a 2 1/2 hour rain delay, Natalie took to the singles court.  Starting at 11:30, and strong, she played with much confidence and spunk.  Her opponent definitely didn't like Nat's very affective slice ball.  Natalie won in straight sets 6-2,6-2.... Much to the delight of her coach Jason... and me too!

After lunch we returned to the tennis center to await the pro am.  At 6 o'clock we were gathered to hear a short speech by Jared Wallace, son of UGA women's tennis team.  In 2010, Jared elected to have his right leg amputated below the knee.  Of course I am shortening the story ten fold, but this lovely young man spoke about finding his new running leg and embracing the new course of his life.  When able bodied, Jared had a promising future in the running world including a full ride to his pick of colleges.  After many surgeries and life detours hee regained control of his destiny and became a paraolympian.  Jared has broke many records and has won several Paraolympic Gold Medals.  Wow!!  Amazing indeed, what an awesome young man and story.

After Jared's wise words, it was time for Natalie and others to hit the Pro Am court.  After much fun we headed for Rucki's apartment.  Arriving thirteen hours after our departure, exhausted.... We decided to throw a load of stinky tennis clothes in the washer.  Nat got in the shower and I laid down on the sofa for I'm still not feeling up to par.

All of a sudden Nat is yelling "mom what is going on, mom help".  Seem there is an issue with the washer... All the water that was supposed to be filling the washer was now on the floor.  Probably 12-15 gallons.  As I write this Natalie is sopping up water, after callin Stephen who has't answered his phone.  Yikes.... Not what we need right now!

Real quick then I gotta go help.... She play tomorrow at 9 am.  She will play Michele Sammonds, a very sweet young lady.  Nat and Jac will play dubs tomorrow fifth on .... Which is code for 4 ish. 

That's the scoop now I must scoot so I can sop.... until we are dried out and the l yellow ball begins to bounce.... Love and Blessings.... Sherry!

Macon Mush

Natalie play a very solid first set today.  Playing very aggressive and on top of her game.  All witnessed by Nana, her dad, lil Ed, Nic, her coach Jason, Sheeri (spelling?), high school friend Chelsea and a local young man and Nat supporter Joey!!

That fan base helped during the second set when Nat just couldn't seem to find the court with the ball.  Amidst some questionable line calls by her opponent.  The most noticeable sending Natalie steaming off the court in search of an official at the sound of our cheers.  A trip off the court that was way overdue.  Natalie lost the second set. 

At the start of the third Nat insisted on a line judge for her court.  Our gal started the third strong going up 5-2.  Serving for the set and match brought us to the loudest discussion between players.  The opponent hit the ball deep but didn't realize Nat called it out, on the next point the gal hit the ball out and Nat called it.  The opponent thought it was in so asked for line judge.  A good thing.  When Nat went to serve and called out score of 40-15 (match point) the opponent went nuts saying its 30 all.  We knew Nat was right, with them reviewing each point it was discovered that the gal thought the one very deep behind the baseline wa good.  Thank goodness that another ref in the audience had been watching the entire game and confirmed that the ball was clearly out and that Natalie called it out.  So Nat served out the set and match to move onto the second round of qualifying tomorrow.  

Natalie will play Natalie Suk (USA) in the morning at 9 a.m.  

Macon Match time

Natalie will play at 9 a.m. tomorrow! At the Stratford Academyin Macon.  Take 75 south to 475 south to exit 9.  Exit and go left.  Go bout 2 blocks and turn right on Peake.  Go bout 2 miles to the academy which will be on the right.

Nat will only play one match tomorrow.  She is the third seed in the qualifying draw.  Nat plays Petra Januskava from Canada, ranked 1150. 

Until that lil yellow ball bounces... Love and Blessings.... Sherry!

Pics of Party Rock Open, Pro Am and Red Rock Canyon

Here are some pictures I took in Vegas at the Party Rock Open.  Our host Redfoo is a great supporter of women's tennis, and its awesome.  So, many thanks to him and all those that worked so hard to put on a good tennis tourney.  Also included in my video are pictures I took on the many hikes and off road jeep drive I took.  Please enjoy!


http://www.youtube.com/edit?o=U&ns=1&video_id=_H4lbs6qGgU

Time to catch you up!

Time to catch you up!  First sorry no post from Vegas and for so long.  We had free hotel rooms in Vegas, but they wanted to charge us $20 per day for Internet, a fee we didn't want to pay.  So that we could save our money.

Natalie lost in the first round of singles, she and Jackie lost in the first round of doubles.  Because the next tourney is in Macon, Georgia....Jackie is staying with us.  The two of them have been training with Jason in Atlanta.

We will leave on Saturday for Mercer University in Macon.  Natalie will begin singles play on Sunday in the qualifying draw.  We won't have a match time until Saturday evening, at which time I will post on the blog.  Hope some of you can come to watch Nat, she would love the stands filled with some home town folks.

I had all kinds of troubles getting home.  Was flying Southwest Airlines and had a very rude flight attendant, so I was changed to a new flight.  I was updated to first class and given a $300 voucher for a future flight as an apology.  When I checked in for my flight the next day, I was bumped and received two round trip tickets to anywhere Air Tran flies.  Have to say all the craziness paid off with me getting a total of three tickets for the future.

Upon returning, I had to ready myself for a pre op visit and surgical procedure on Thursday.  So, writing the blog was definitely low on my list of priorities.  Sorry to say!  The procedure went well but I had a horrible reaction to the pain killers and found myself in need of help late last night.  Got that help and was able to get some sleep, so a little weak today but feeling much better.

I do have pictures from Vegas and will try to post them today after a nap.  Until then....Love and Blessings.....Sherry!