Page 73 of Carrie Soto Is Back

My father and I walk up to my room. I find the phone and call.

“Hi,” Ali says. “One second.”

I put it on speaker as Gwen picks up the line.

“So,” Gwen says.

It’s either that Elite Gold is pulling out or Nicki Chan is back in. And I’m not sure which I dread more.

“Chan,” Gwen says. “She’s playing the French Open.”

Ah, fuck.That’s the one I hate more. I look at my father, who looks back at me.

“You’ve got this,” Gwen says. “Clay is her surface, but you can take her down.”

“Yeah,” I say. “Yeah. All right, talk soon.”

I hang up the phone and say, “If she takes the French Open…before I’ve been able to win one…”

My father nods. “It’s not good.”

I stand up. “But she’s not going to win the French Open.”

“No, she’s not. You’re going to win the French Open.”

“Because I am the greatest tennis player of all time.”

My dad walks up to me and puts a hand on each of my shoulders. “You are the greatest warrior the world has ever seen.”

Transcript

SportsHour USA

The Mark Hadley Show

Mark Hadley:And now that Nicki Chan has announced she will be playing in the French Open—how does that change everyone’s prospects?

Gloria Jones:Well, we don’t know what sort of player we are going to see. A lot of people are saying she’s coming back too soon after her injury. There are rumors she’s intent on taking another Slam title to break the tie between her and Soto and she’s rushed her return in order to do it.

Briggs Lakin:I have to say, Gloria, I’m hearing the opposite. I’m hearing the Beast is playing the best she’s ever played. Meanwhile, Soto’s only chance at a Slam was one where she wouldn’t have to face Nicki. That was Melbourne. I think it’s safe to say, for the Battle Axe, it’s all over.

END OF APRIL

One month until the French Open

We meet Bowe on thepractice court at eighta.m.There’s not another soul around. He is wearing gym shorts and a white T-shirt, tapping his racket against his shoes. Bright white, they stand out in stark contrast to the burnt orange clay.

“Even with your back bothering you, you’ve been kicking ass,” I say as I make my way onto the court. My father walks just two steps behind me.

“Thank you,” Bowe says. “Though I suspect you’re fighting at peak level right now. I’m a little scared.”

“You should be,” I say.

“All right, kids, shall we?” my father says.

Bowe shakes my hand. “May the best player win,” he says.

“Don’t worry, I will.”

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