Considering the KOtC5 draw, I immediately plotted my path to royalty. The
Earl, the common royal, seemed my only potential place. Only 2 years ago,
during the first KOtC, I was firmly in the thick of things for the Prince
title. Then the famous Leo Escario, the marathon runner, proud son of The
Philippines, and owner of a permanent smile, outlasted me for the first KOtC
Prince title in what I thought was going to be my last mahut on earth. It
was hot. Death was at my doorstep. My family was watching and the
air was dizzy. Heat exhaustion, hell, heat stroke, seemed
inevitable. Really, it would’ve been a good way to go, but our good God
kept me around. That was my chance and Leo slammed the gate, pulled up
the bridge from the mote, and lifted the Prince prize. Since then, its’
been a series of defeats, disappointments, a Frank Friday destruction of the
KOtC establishment, and a back spasm roddick in KOtC3. Only an 8-2 mahut
win over Keck in KOtC4 serves as a highlight. King James has gone royal,
King The Todd of course, Keck and Joe have tasted the Duke title. With
Huffman, a tireless tennis warrior, Prince Coronado, a trendy pick for King,
and Dayton Hancock, an Eagle returning to his tennis nest after college tuning,
my morning draw is loaded and clearly the Earl is my most likely path to
royal.
The
quality of the overall KOtC field has continued to improve tournament after
tournament. Even now, even with the absence of King The Todd and the internationally
famous J.D. Miles, we begin with the finest KOtC field ever. There is
King James, the dignified 2-time King who is always thirsty for the
throne. The possible return of JET to the Mavericks has him especially
motivated. His acceptance of Dirk’s new role as 6th man ushers
in a new hope. Hope for things to come. The hopeful King.
He’ll have to play well early and avoid his notorious loose starts to put
himself in position for the afternoon. His morning draw is loaded with
dangerous players. Joe Vita is no joke. He is back from
Hawaii. He is tan and rested. He is the face of KOtC and always a
threat. This Jonathan Wraith person is a huge South African. Tall
and lanky, uncoiled rockets for serves. Like fellow South African Kevin Anderson almost, who just
took Novak to the 5 set brink at Wimbledon. Nice fellow, that Anderson.
Along with King The Todd, Keck and I hung out with him a bit in
Houston at the U.S. Clay Court Championships, eventually won by American Jack
Sock. He’s almost too nice to break into the world top 5, or Top 10 even,
but he is talented. Talks with a lisp. Wraith kinda looks like
him. Rounding out King James’ early draw is Berco Neiman, a first time
unknown to Isner tennis culture. A true X factor. Despite these
obstacles, King James is likely to advance to the King division in the
afternoon. He will have plenty of nutrients and water, his KOtC
experience will give him the edge over the newcomers and he just has too much
game for Joe.
Despite King
James’ accomplishments and preparations, first timer Jeremy Stone comes into
the tournament as the favorite. His reputation precedes him.
Machine-like and smart, tireless and deadly, unforgiving and quick, experienced
and indestructible. He should cruise into the afternoon King
division. Word has it that Eli Yaremenko is highly competitive, but
probably a better bet for Prince this time around, like Prince Coronado this
past Fall. Frank Friday could derail Stone if some physical altercation
breaks out over disputed line calls. This is unlikely. Frank’s
intimidation tactics are deliberate and he is in control at all times, but
perhaps he can bait Stone and pull off a miracle. We haven’t discussed a
fighting policy, but we are big advocates for peace—just for the record.
Flash flooding, tropical storms, and hurricanes will not keep Frank away after
over-reacting to weather conditions in KOtC4. He heard the whispers
regarding his roddick and carries a chip. Too much Delkus, too much
USTA. He’s never attended a KOtC where he did not go royal, claiming
Prince in KOtC2 and Earl in KOtC3. I want no part of Frank Friday.
Current Earl Vito could make a run for Duke or meet me in the
afternoon. He will be tough, but perhaps 6 months of living royal has
made him vulnerable. Maybe there is an opportunity. Maybe he has
rested on his royal butt a little more than normal. Vito has what I
want. This could get ugly.
The
most intrigue and mystery is reserved for the final morning group. Nick
Pena, another collegiate player and returning Eagle, on his most familiar
courts. If it’s the dude I remember, he was slightly better than
Dayton. But that was years ago. I remember the Saturday morning
doubles match, where Keck and I took them to the edge before eventually losing
our mahut 4-6 to the Allen Eagles #1 doubles team. Coach Quest had sent
them down to play Keck and I after their normal workout. If memory
serves, which it doesn’t always these days, Keck had some late serving issues
and performed weakly at the net. It was all his fault. I believe
that’s how it went down. He smashed an electrical box with his racquet
and screamed the loudest F-bomb ever heard. A few parents of young
children came by and voiced their displeasure with his profanity, but he cussed
them off the court too, fire in his German eyes. Like Boris Becker or
Stephie Graf or something. I’ve been leery of him since, but still
maintain good relations off the court. He took it tough, but Dayton and
Nick are now college players, almost validating our loss and making it seem
more acceptable. Joining Nick is Chris Fess, of which nothing is known,
Duke Keck, and Bill Vita. Keck’s story is well documented and his royal
credentials established in KOtC4. Billy Vita, bonafide and certified by
the Philadelphia School of Italian Tennis Professionals, is the wildcard.
Just recently, he tied his brother, and lifelong superior player, Joe 10-10 in
a 20 game mahut. His game is on the rise, enhanced by Karate-like
maneuvers, a new stringer, and his tremendous knowledge of the
game. In all honesty, I hope he makes it into the Duke division. If
he claimed the Earl, my depression would be complete and prolonged.
Survival is only temporary. One day we will all succumb. For now,
we play tennis. Mahut!!!
