6-4, 6-3, Tennis Friends

6

Chris is one of those guys who is a tennis friend. I like him. I like to play tennis with him. He is about my age, a steady player, a variety of shots, quick on his feet, willing to go for angles and winners.

But . . . Chris is loud. He talks a lot. He screams the word “OUT” when my shot is long. And he just talks. During games, between games. Mostly about himself, sometimes about tennis. A running commentary.

I don’t let it bother me, because I’m good at shutting out distractions when I play (not the same as playing well). But today I played well, avenging an earlier loss to him that bothered me.

I fell behind in both sets. Came back in both by staying focused, wanting it, hitting enough winners while he hit enough unforced errors.

I like having tennis friends. Players near my level I can compete with and have fun with. I’m not friends with them outside of tennis. Chris is one of those.

By David Klein

David Klein

Published novelist, creative writer, journalist, avid reader, discriminating screen watcher.

Novels

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