I just don't get it, Fran. When you're across the net from her you play like a god. When you're next to her you play like a goat. Not a GOAT. A goat. Why are you hell-bent on making Sam's life difficult, and in turn, my life impossible? Steph and I, independently of each other, decided that if Fram made the doubles final we would absolutely stick it out in Indian Wells until Sunday.
But noooooooo. You guys had to lose to Vika and Makiri.
So let's break it down: Frank kinda blew the whole operation. Sam has been, much to my shock, an absolute rock in doubles this week. She's served well, dominated baseline rallies, and volleyed really well. In fact, she put on a virtual clinic today in front of a packed-as-sardines crowd on Court 8. There were queues to get into a ladies doubles match, you guys. Like...you had to wait multiple changeovers before you could get in. Nuts, right?
In the middle of the second set the ladies behind me began to audibly wonder if Sam had missed a volley all match. Considering that they had, prior to that topic, been discussing the fact that they would love Sam, Fran, or Makiri's body, but not Vika's, I am inclined to think these women were experts in all things of the world. So I'll take their word for it. Sam wasn't missing at all.
Fran on the other hand. Well, allow this video to explain:
Fram's reaction is priceless. Fran was UFE-ing up a storm all match, to the point that Sam was just laughing all the time. The easier the shot, the bigger the miss off the yellow and black Babolat that once slayed Sam's dreams of glory.
My totally reasonable explanation? Fran was intentionally mocking her. "See how horrible at tennis I can be, Samantha? Remember when I couldn't miss a volley or overhead back in May? WATCH ME HIT THIS ONE 5 FEET OUT! HAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!"
Not that it was all Fran's fault. Vika and Makiri played pretty well, too.
All this is to say, it was a total bummer. I really enjoyed watching Fran and Sam play doubles together and I hope they do it in Miami as well. Even when she's playing like crap Fran has the ability to bring out the joy in everyone, fans and doubles partners alike. You couldn't wipe the permagrin off Sam's face if you tried.
Then again, how could you not break out into a goofy grin when every time you turned around, this was staring back at you:
I wish I knew how to quit you, Frank. Sam probably wishes he same thing.
"Dude. How could you miss that? Awwww, I can't stay mad at you."
Keep it going in Miami, ladies! Fram 4-EVA!
(Pics: Forty Deuce)
