Last year, when Marcos was on his comeback trail, he couldn't buy a wildcard. No US tournament would give him one, which is pretty fucking ridiculous when you think about it. But New Haven did and Marcos told them that if they gave him one he'd come back the next year.
So despite his deep run at Cincy, and the fact that he has plenty of US hardcourt matchplay (he made the finals in D.C., after all), he's kept his commitment to the tournament and actually comes in as the top seed. He admitted in his presser that he doesn't know whether or not this might be too much match play, leaving him tapped by the time he gets to NY. But a promise is a promise.
There's a lot to be said about loyalty and taking chances. Kudos to the tournament for granting him the card, knowing that he's got charisma out the yin-yang and giving him an opportunity to work his way back into the game (though, he did lose to Gil in the first round last year). And kudos to Bags for keeping his promise, even if it might hurt him down the road.
Sure, a lot of people will say it's a dumb decision and that he should put his self-interest first. But isn't that the kind of selfishness that we all constantly rail against and, in truth, has caused so many problems not just on the tours but in all our jobs? Corporations who have no loyalty to their clients or employees? Employees who have no loyalty to their companies? When you can actually trust someone at the word, doesn't the world run better?
I don't know. Maybe I'm projecting a bit here. But I give big ups to Marcos.
Now please lose tomorrow so that you're not tapped for NYC. Because seriously, I think you will be.
