I'm updating this story quicker than I thought I would. When I get into a routine, I hope to update this story once a week. I know many people would like to see longer chapters, but this is the story and format that I have in mind. Some chapters might get longer, so I can tell the part of the story that I want to share in that particular chapter.
Once again, a big thank you to everyone that made the effort to leave me feedback. It is much appreciated.
The tournament's media handler pointed out to a journalist.
"Ms. Berry-".
"Please, call me Rachel", the brunette said. "Ms. Berry sounds too formal."
"Rachel," the journalist continued, "how are you feeling?"
Rachel took a deep breath, "Disappointed, obviously. Everyone walks out to a match wanting to win it, but today wasn't to be my day. And Vika played a great match, so kudos to her."
"Do you think your lack of experience at certain key moments went against you?"
Rachel nodded, "It might have. I think I made the right calls, but Vika's been there and done that in those situations for so long that she might have been less nervous than me during the really crucial moments.
The tournament employee pointed out to another reporter.
"Jacob Israel, from the New York Times. First up, well done on reaching the third round on your Grand Slam debut. And my commiserations for losing a tough three set battle. Realistically though, were you expecting to be here? You did make it to the main draw through a wild card, after all, and this is your first month on the ladies tour."
"Thank you Jacob," Rachel smiled, "And yes, without meaning to sound pompous, I thought getting to the third round was an achievable target after getting past the first round. I'd played against Tina Cohen-Chang on the junior circuit a few times before she moved up last year, and I knew I could win my second round if I stuck to my game plan."
"Speaking of your game plan, how does having Shelby Corcoran as your coach help with your strategy?" Jacob asked.
Rachel smiled at her coach, who was watching from a corner of the room. "Well, Shelby's probably my biggest off court asset. She brings with her years of experience, and a tactical knowledge that you only get from being in actual match situations. She's won multiple Slams, and knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle of the sport. So to answer your question, she's a great help when it comes to strategy and the mental aspect of tennis. We analyze my opponent's playing styles together, and she's always giving me insights on what weaknesses to look for in an opponent's game or demeanor."
"Such as?" Jacob prompted.
Rachel grinned, "That is a secret between Shelby and I."
The gathered media laughed, before another journalist piped up "Your opponent today has won two Australian Open titles in the past. Do you think Azarenka has a third title in her this year?"
"Vika is a real champion. She's been a top player for years now, and I think she would have won even more tournaments if she hadn't lost practically an entire year to injuries. But she seems to be in top form again… trust me, I could feel the power of those shots coming off her racket! So yeah, I don't see why she can't go the distance again this year."
"What about her grunting? Did it bother you?"
Rachel had been ready for this question, and answered honestly. "No. I just focused on the ball, and her grunts really just blended into the background. To be honest, I think they sound louder when you watch her on television. I think the TV mics somehow amplify the grunts and make them sound louder than they actually are."
"Carol Hummel, The Australian. What do you think of your fellow American Quinn Fabray's chances?"
Rachel pondered this a moment, "Well, I think Quinn is the automatic favourite anywhere she goes these days. I mean, she's just twenty-one, and has won every major except the French, so that's saying something. But look, I think women's tennis is in the best place it's been in for a while thanks to champions like Vika, Fabray, Lopez, Rose, Wozniaki, Bouchard. And then you have the younger lot like Pierce, Cohen-Chang and hopefully even myself, that are ready to knock on the door. Bottom line, there are no easy wins at this level. So while I wouldn't be surprised if Fabray wins another Aussie Open, I also wouldn't be surprised if someone else took the title."
Another journalist was selected. "Rachel, you and Brittany Pierce lost in the first round of the ladies doubles. What are your plans now? Do you go back to America?"
Rachel smiled, "No, I'm going to stick around for a couple of days and take in the sights and sounds of Melbourne before heading home to New York. Shelby promised me tickets to the Australian tour of The Book of Mormon if I made it to the third round, so I'm looking forward to seeing that. And maybe taking a drive down the Great Ocean Road. Melbourne is a wonderful city."
The same journalist asked, "And what do you plan to do on returning to America?"
The tennis player looked serious again, "More work on the court. And in the gym. I need to get stronger, physically, if I'm going to match the top ladies in baseline rallies. I'm happy with my serve and volley game, but there's always room for improvement. So yeah, I'll work on my game, my movement, and then try and get through qualifying at the American hard court tournaments. That's my immediate plan."
"What about the Fed Cup?" Jacob asked.
"Oh, I'd jump at the chance to represent the United States of America. I mean, wow, it would be such an honour. We already have a pretty strong squad with Fabray, Rose and Bells, but I'd grab any chance to be on the squad. Even if it meant I didn't actually play any games. There's a lot I could learn from just being on the squad. And Emma Pillsbury is doing a fabulous job as captain, so there's tons I could learn from her as well."
"A lot of people are calling you the next big American tennis star. Does that put any pressure on you?" Carol asked.
Rachel smiled, "If anything, it's a compliment. But I wouldn't get ahead of myself just yet. We know it isn't easy making the transition from the girls' tour to the ladies tour, so I'm just going to take it one step at a time. Like I said, I'm going to work on my game, try to get better, and try to win more. And hopefully fortune gives me the occasional helping hand too."
The journalist that asked the session's first question spoke up, "Will we see Rachel Berry back here next year?"
"Absolutely", Rachel replied. The look in her eyes dared anyone to question her self-confidence.
"And that wraps up our post-match interview. Thank you all for coming" the media handler spoke up. Rachel rose from her chair, and met Shelby at the door. The two women walked out the door together.
"You handle the press like you've been doing it all your life. It's quite impressive really" Shelby commented.
Rachel grinned, "That's what happens when you have a father that works in PR."
The player looked up, to see Santana Lopez walking towards her. It looked like the Spanish star was surrounded by a village, and everyone was trying to speak to her at once. Santana herself was ignoring them all as she made her way towards one of the interview rooms, drink bottle in hand. She locked gazes with Rachel, who was surprised when the big name tennis player stopped in front of her.
"Hi Shelby. It's good to see you again", Santana smiled, before turning her attention to Rachel. "Tough loss today Berry. But you did good out there. I'll be keeping an eye on you." And with that, Santana took off, her team once again hot on her trail.
Rachel was in shock, and couldn't seem to get her mouth to form the words 'thank' and 'you'. She came back to reality when she heard Shelby laugh beside her, and felt her coach tug her arm to get her to start walking again.
"The big girls have noticed you Rachel. It's a good sign" Shelby laughed.