Yes, honey. Your balls are big. Proven.
Elfie had to gut out a five set 10-8 in the fifth win over an inspired James (64 67(3) 57 63 108). Both players were hobbling by the end of it, with James suffering from a knee tweak early in the match and then an arm/shoulder injury towards the end. As for Elf, he suffered a rib/back tweak towards the end and he looked completely exhausted. Or maybe that's just how his face looks all the time. Probably that.
But in the end it was his superior (and obscene) shot-making and, get this, *defense*, that won this match. Elf looked like Nole out there at times, running down everything and desperately getting balls back until he finally got something he could hit. It was impressive.
Confession: I actually feel bad for James. I really do. See? I didn't even use his nickname. Because at least for this post he deserves better than that. He played as well as I've seen him play in years. His forehand was off the chain. James didn't give this match away. DelPo won it.
Which I suppose makes it worse for James. For all the questions about his career he actually brought his A game and played the best he possibly could. He pushed the world #4 and reigning USO champion to five full sets. And he lost. Maybe that's the reality check he needs.
This is a match worth watching. So if you Tivo'd it, at least watch the last set. Some remarkable stuff from both players.
