Sportsmanship
By: Jyra
Disclaimer: Do not own Prince of Tennis. If I did, I wouldn't be writing this. Instead I'd be laughing about how I've created one of the best mangas in the world…
Sorry this instalment is a little late but I blame it on the rain! Brilliant US Opens this year. Also sorry for not writing a chapter for Cincinnati and the Olympics. I was on holiday for both but was very happy the Murray won his first Masters and Rafa got to number 1!
Oh and I know the lay out is a little odd for this one but I wanted to try something different!
Pillar Pair
...
A week ago…
Game point
Break point
Another game point
A break back
Double break point
Serving for the set
Another break point
Set Point
2nd set point
3rd set point
Match point
2nd round match: A. Murray (6) bt R. Echizen (2) 3 sets to love
Day 11: Thursday Quarterfinal match: K. Tezuka (1) vs. N. Djokovic (3)
Laurie Carey, rookie reporter for The Daily Post grinned to himself as he flashed his press pass at security. Today was the day. Today was the day he would finally get his interview with Echizen Ryoma. He had all it planned out. He'd had it planned since the second seed had unexpectable dropped out of the tournament last week to the sixth seed, the British number one. Today was the day.
X
Tezuka didn't smile as he readied himself for his match. It was the last Grand Slam event of the year and he was hoping for a win here to add to his one at Wimbledon. At his age, 2 grand slams would be beyond expectations but his ranking suggested differently. When you're the world number one it was what was expected of you.
X
In the stands Echizen Ryoma didn't smile or even smirk. He fumed. On his lap lay a newspaper, the headline mocking him. It wasn't fair and this time it was all his own fault. He'd let himself down, he'd let his father down, he'd let Tezuka down and he felt like he'd let the rest of the world down too. He hadn't lived up to expectations. He'd failed. At 19 years old, he was now the world number three.
X
Laurie hoisted his bag over an elderly couple, apologising as he made his way over to the south side of the Louis Armstrong court. A quick scan of the crowd identified his target. He was there, just as expected.
X
He walked out to the applause of the crowd. He didn't wave, only a nod of the head indicated he even knew of their existence. Yet they still loved him. How could then not? He himself had once said the best players had a special type of charisma and Tezuka Kunimitsu was the best player in the world.
X
Ryoma continued to start at the paper on his lap, glad his sunglasses and absent cap seemed to disguise he appearance well enough. He read the headline again 'Prince falls to number 3' before shoving the offending paper on the floor. He vowed to himself he would never see a headline like that again.
X
Laurie took the seat next to his target. The target hadn't seemed to notice him. Not yet at least. Laurie discreetly checked the press photo he'd been given. Yes, he was sure. It was now.
X
Serve. Return. Serve. Return. Then the warm up was over, it was time to start the match. Tezuka readied himself, prepared for the opponent's attack when something made him look to that place in the crowd. The next thing he knew, his opponent scored at ace.
X
Ryoma scowled back. Maybe Tezuka couldn't see him but he'd know he'd be scowling. Better to concentrate on the game now and not let your opponent win easy points. Ryoma wished it was as simple to apply that logic to his own game.
X
Laurie watched as the first set started. The tennis was beautiful but his mind was on the target next to him.
X
Tezuka served for the first set. A backhand; cross court; a slice and then a volley. The set was his.
X
Two sets to go. Ryoma though. Just two. Tennis had always been that simple, why wasn't it anymore?
X
The second set was nearly over. Laurie knew he'd have to take his chance soon. Turning to his left, he touched the shoulder of the dark haired man next to him 'Excuse me …
X
Tezuka served. Djokovic returned. A drop shot. Djokovic was at the net. A lob. Djokovic ran back for the smash. He missed. The ball was called in. Djokovic challenged the call. The big screens replayed the path of the ball as it careered to wards the line. 'Ball called…
X
Ryoma stood up. Tezuka would win he knew it. And Ryoma had a sudden need to play tennis again. Just as he was about to leave, the man to his right turned, touched his shoulder and asked 'Excuse me…
X
'… are you Echizen Ryoma?'
X
'In'
X
'…could you sign this program for my son? He thinks of you as his hero.'
X
Kirihara snarled at the reporter. Why did everyone mistake him for Echizen Ryoma? They didn't even look alike, not really! Why did everyone assume that a black haired Asian tennis player must be Echizen Ryoma?
X
'Game, set and match won by Tezuka.' Tezuka approached the net to shake. This time he didn't look at the crowds, he knew Ryoma would have already gone.
X
As he hit the ball faster, more powerful than he'd ever done before. Ryoma knew everything would be alright. He could feel it in his blood, that same feeling from Junior high. He would take back his number 2 spot. And someday soon he would take the number one as well. He could feel it running through him. The world was his. It always had been.
XXX
Not very fluffy this time. And I apologise for making Ryoma lose. But I think the next couple of grand slam events will bear better results for him!
A thanks to everyone who has put this on alerts, it means a lot to me.
I'm not sure when the next update will be, I've got my classic, English lit and history coursework going on plus I've got to apply for uni so I'm sort of busy!
But thank you fro reading this and I will update for the next tournament that Nadal and Murray play in!
Jyra