The epic first set on Saturday morning at Rainier Community center between Tri and Tom was long and physical, and it seemed like whoever won that set, would be in firm control of the match. That is exactly what happened!

I was unable to get ahead of Tri in the first set, with exception of 1-0. His offense and ability to hit winners of the forehand after his low sliding serve was the only real offense we could muster, but it continually gave him the advantage in the first few games. I was finally able to put a bit of pressure on his serve, while simultaneously attacking any short ones (and occasional deep shots) to keep Tri off balance a bit. However, the rest of the time, it was pretty evenly matched with many long low backhand to backhand to volleys. Frankly, I played pretty well but Tri’s forehand kept me from getting too comfortable, and I had several solid approach shots in which he hit some very nice defensive lobs on the run. It became quite the chess match with long points, with me either sneaking to net or him coaxing a short return and taking control with a solid forehand. I threw in droppers, off speed, lobs, sneak in attacks and about anything I could think of. This was about as good I could plays, and I was able to fight off one match point at 4-5, and down 5-6, I somehow fought into a tiebreak. I was up 4-1 (I think) in the tiebreak but Tri fought back and took the lead. Some long grinding points, I fought off 3 more set points but his well timed serving was the difference in the last games and in the tiebreak and he took tiebreak at 10-8.

Second set, we were both pretty gassed I hit a few extra errors but Tri (I feared) picked it up and raced to a 6-1 win in the second. Final was 7-6(8), 6-1 in 2 hours of mostly high quality tennis. I wasn’t able to match his game in the second and that was it. Congrats to him. Tri will play in his first championship while Tom will play for 3rd! Tri’s take on the match: I were played lots of good defense, he started off slow, he served better and played better in the second set. Good match!