In the Paris Masters final against Gael Monfils, Novak Djokovic didn't look as indomitable as he did when he rode roughshod over Rafael Nadal in the semis. Give the Serb credit. He hung in, even when his body language telegraphed his fear that the flamboyant Frenchman would pull out a victory in the end. Djokovic won 6-2, 5-7, 6-6 (3). Crazy match. Djokovic was up 3-0 in the second and looked like he had the thing in the bag when his powerful forehand started going South. The win was Novak's first Master's 1000 title, and it puts him in a strong position going into the year-end tournament in London (Nov. 22-29). Especially since he beat Federer in the final in Basel the week before beating Rafa in Paris. He's got to be flying high.
On a less celestial note, I played in a social doubles gathering hosted by my tennis club, the Gay Lesbian Tennis Federation, in Golden Gate Park. There were about 30 of us players of various levels who came to play and eat BBQ. Social doubles is a nice idea in theory, but how can you play and not compete? My erstwhile player traded up to play with more competitive folks. And I ate lots of crow at the racquets of some 4.0 players and higher. Best part of the day was when a truly nice guy, Daniel, gave me some pointers. Not everyone is out for blood.
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30 players- that's a pretty decent turnout. Don't use any of the pointers against me on Sunday.
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