the entertaining write-up! - United States Court Tennis

day. Luckily for us, this bar is famous for a drink called the “Pick‐Me‐Up”. It must have been fate. After
a few of those, we were ready to take anyone on! On the way home, as insurance, we stopped by that
other American embassy to the world, McDonalds, with the hope that these particular (Golden) Arches
would lead us to “Triomphe” the next day.
Convinced that the odds were in our favor to win at least one match over the course of the week, I took
the court with renewed vigor and confidence. My opponent was the youngster Sarlangue. The first few
games were back and forth and he was up 3‐2. Then, a film crew stopped by and started to film our
match. Sarlangue evidently means “show off” in French as he started to hit some unbelievable shots
and I could not force him into any errors. His solid play brought me to an all too familiar place, a straight
set loss. However, I did leave my mark as one of my forces hit the bandeau and caused part of it to
explode, stopping play. (click here for video)
Team USA’s final hope to win a match then rested on Kris and in order to secure a win, he would have to
avenge my loss the previous day and defeat Julien Bey. Kris again held his own and set up the points in
his favor, but would either just barely miss the “put‐away” shot or Julien would turn a defensive shot
into a winning offensive shot. Julien used these kinds of shots and skill to his advantage and although
Kris successfully fought off three consecutive match points (click here for video), Julien secured the
straight set victory and the sweep for France. (click here for video highlights)
Alors, just like the number zero, we had come full circle and ended the week just as it had began,
without a match win. However, it should be noted that I am almost certain that we won in the “best
dressed” category as many of the other players complimented us on our uniforms throughout the week
and expressed jealousy. Being in Paris, I would contend that this victory is undeniably more important
than the matches themselves. Therefore, we may have lost the battle (of matches on court), but we
won the war (of fashion) and even though our results on court might have been a silent nod to
Napoleon’s effort at Waterloo, I firmly believe that we “carried the flag” honorably and represented the
USA in a manner which the other countries had to acknowledge and respect. I wish to sincerely thank
the USCTA, the USCTPF and Prince’s Court for their support in allowing Kris and I the opportunity to play
in this competition as it was without question an honor. I would also like to thank Gil Kressmann, Matt
Ronaldson, Angus Williams, Patricia Gallagher, and Danny Mandil for all of their organization and hard
work in making this a memorable event. In conclusion, I would like to congratulate England on winning
the Bathurst Cup. It was well earned, but please don’t forget who helped you get there!
Au Revoir,
Ryan (on behalf of Kris and Team USA)