Chapter 19
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Leo Chambers has been one of the most consistent players on tour this year. He’s knocking on the door of the top ten again after his quarterfinals run at Wimbledon and after a solid swing around the United States this summer.
He’s the number one American player again and the number eleven seed at the Open.
I don’t know, Paul, I think this could finally be Baby Rod’s year. ”
“Here’s the thing, Brad. If you look at his results at the Slams this year, he made the third round at the Australian Open, fourth round at Roland-Garros, and quarterfinals at Wimbledon.
So, yeah, he’s trending up. The next step in that pattern would be semifinals at the US Open.
But he’s been there before, two years ago.
Does he really have it in him to go all the way?
Especially with his dad’s health weighing on him?
Having a coach in and out of your box all season can affect your mentality, and I think it has with Chambers. ”
“I hear you. And, of course, all our best to Johnny. One of the best guys I know. But with Brian Wilkins at the helm this year, he’s had such a positive effect on Leo.
Has it gotten sloppy at times? Sure. But he’s gotten Leo to loosen up and understand that even if he’s not in fifth gear, he can drop down to fourth gear and still play lights-out tennis.
He can throw in some variety to supplement when his shots maybe aren’t firing on all cylinders.
I wouldn’t count him out, Paul. Leo hasn’t gotten any titles this season, but he’s still got that champion’s mindset. ”
“You make some good points, my friend. And yes, we’re hoping Johnny is feeling well.
We’ve seen glimpses of him practicing with his son on the grounds this week, so that’s a positive sign.
So inspiring to see him still out there.
One thing I’ll say: Leo just turned thirty this year, so the clock’s tickin’.
Only time will tell if he still has it in him to fulfill that prophecy everybody had for him from the beginning—to be the next American man to win the US Open.
We’ll just have to wait and see if he can find his form in New York again.
It’s going to be an exciting two weeks either way.
I’ll be keeping you updated on all things Leo Chambers and US Open.
Thank you, Brad, for hoppin’ on here with me.
Let’s get a round of golf in soon, yeah? ”
“Always a pleasure, Paul. Sounds good to me, buddy.”
“And hopefully I’ll see some of you, my listeners, around the grounds soon. This is Davis, Paul Davis, signing off.”
Three days before the US Open begins, Leo is stuck in traffic in the back of a black Escalade on his way to practice, checking out Serving Looks’ post about his upcoming first-round match.
servinglooks Y’all, now that the draw is out, Leo Chambers must be *rejoicing* that he’s not up against Gabe Montoya in the first round of the US Open like last year.
(But tbh, I would’ve loved to have seen that rematch now that they’re besties.
I’m still not over those shirtless photos of them practicing together in DC!
!!). Instead of his kryptonite, he’s up against a Croatian qualifier he’s beaten handily before, so let’s hope this is the launching pad he needs to find his form in New York again.
I want to see my favorite guy go all the way, don’t you?
Side note: So, so happy to see his dad back on the team, too.
Two days before the US Open begins, Leo is stuck in traffic in the back of a black Escalade on his way to practice, overhearing a clip on a sports radio channel the driver is playing.
“He’s gotten some good results this year, but his dad has been on and off his team, he’s been trying to shift his game from counter-puncher to aggressor, and he’s gotten closer with his former nemesis, Gabe Montoya, who’s been a lightning rod for press this year.
That’s a lot on Chambers’s plate. Can he balance it all? ” one of the radio hosts asks.
“We know he’s a resilient player. And the proof is in the pudding. We’ve seen him get to the semis in New York before. Let’s hope he can find that form again.”
The day before the US Open begins, Leo is stuck in traffic in the back of a black Escalade on his way to practice, listening to his Queen pump-up playlist while he locks every social media app on his phone.