Concrete Jungle Where Dreams Are So Close Yet So Far
ALISHA SULLIVAN
We didn’t say it because we cannot be putting that kind of energy out into the world, but Wyatt and I did wonder if Naomi and Sam would make it to court to debut their mixed doubles partnership.
Naomi has played a lot of tough matches recently, and Sam is feeling the effects of a great first half of the season, so we wouldn’t have blamed either of them if they wanted to take the extra week to prep for the singles.
But they were never going to do that because they were both so excited to get on the court together. Add in the fact that our parents, his sisters, and a couple of special guests had also flown to New York, and it was always gonna happen.
While Wyatt was off doing whatever it is he does to get them prepped for a match, I was with our parents. Both of them were curious to know how I thought the Reed–Sullivan partnership would work, and the honest answer was: I didn’t know.
They have very similar playing styles, which were either going to clash or mesh well together.
Somehow, over the course of the four matches they played, Naomi and Sam showcased both the clashing and the meshing.
It made for interesting viewing. I was just happy to be watching them play with Wyatt because at least he was calm about it.
I think I could hear my dad gasping when the pair of them made some interesting on-court decisions, and he was on the other side of Ashe from us.
Thankfully, the second day seemed to be more meshing than clashing, even though it didn’t quite land them the title. Ending up runners-up does, however, bode well for next year and leaves us all feeling excited for what they might be able to bring to the court together.
But that is a January thing. For now, they’re shifting their attention to the singles and are off doing the hard work while I try to decide where does the best pastry (and sharing my findings with all of them).
Until next time, from somewhere with a view of the Brooklyn Bridge.