Commitments outside of tennis resulted in me not updating my blog. I last played the ladder on Dec 06. I gotten sick over the weekend and almost pulled out. Nevertheless Tennis bug bit me hard enough that i showed up to defend my #1 rank. I lost to Luciano 2-6,0-6. I won the first two games of the match and all other games went to deuce but i couldnt convert. After first set, i ran out of steam and was a non factor.
The next two weeks are terrible for me as i fell in and was miserably sick. Visits to the doctor confirmed that i need to rest for a bit. At the same time my long pending trip to India has been confirmed and i will be out globe trotting for Three weeks starting II week of January. Considering all these things, i have paused on the ladder. I will be back in action from Feb 07 (or Feb 14).
Even if i wanted to , i am not in a position from a physical fitness perspective. I have played badminton twice and also Played an exhibition with Jack on Christmas Eve. I simply couldnt keep up with the level of energy to sustain top gear game against a quality opponent like Jack. I lost 3-6 and 1-4. In the past when i played tennis or badminton, it used to take an hour or so before i started to sweat and almost never got tired. In these 3 episodes, i started sweating almost after the start and felt very tired.
All this however results in me not able to challenge for #1 over the season. I will be far behind in rankings and Luciano will be able to build an unsurmountable lead. There arent many players that can challenge him successfully and they arent playing at the top of the ladder to play him.
Though it is a bit disappointing, Looking back, this is the best season for me results wise. I have been #1 for 5 weeks and twice defended the #1 rank. The only opponent who beat me in the ladder this season is Luciano. Despite several set backs during the outdoor season with injuries and etc, i still managed to achieve the goal of attaining #1 rank. Another important aspect from last season is that i am even more confident of winning.
Heading into New year, i have some ambitious goals.besides becoming fit, I want to play the "Circuit" during outdoor season (april - Sep) and then come back into winter ladder (Oct-) and this time maintain a sustained presence at the top. Ofcourse i am not ruling out the rest of this season ie from Feb - Apr. My goal is to try to become #1 one more time this season--tall order but possible if i can stay healthy.
Meanwhile Jack kinda had a slump but started his way back up and now is just two outings away from challenging the #1. I am sure he will do it again.
Ofcourse all this wouldnt be possible with out your support. Thank you all and wish you all a happy new year.
