New Fic: A Study in Winning (6/10) part 2 of 2
A Study in Winning
6/10 - part 2
Previous part
*
Centre Court was bigger than he remembered, louder and definitely more intimidating.
The cheer went up the moment they exited the tunnel and stepped out into the hot afternoon sunlight. He could see lots of British flags and a mixture of red and white, and white and blue. He had no way of knowing, but he had a feeling that more of the crowd were there to support Murray than him, but that was hardly surprising. Before this tournament he was surprised he had had any fans at all.
He took his seat and tried to block everything out. Right, he had a game plan. It wasn’t a particularly comprehensive one, but a plan none the less. Beat Murray, shag Sherlock, punch Moriarty. He knocked his racket against the palm of his hand. Simple, but then again, the best plans always were. They only became more complicated in the execution of them.
He got up to practice hitting the ball, checking he was loose and that he hadn’t somehow forgotten how to play the game. Good, his serve was still working. Excellent.
“Time.”
Oh god, this was it.
*
“Game, Murray”
“Lovely forehand down the line there from Murray.
”Murray leads, four games to two. First set. Murray to serve.”
“Really that shot just summed up what we’ve been watching. Ever since the first game Watson has basically been outplayed. He only just held his second service game, but this break by Murray was inevitable. He’s been chipping away at Watson, taking more and more points, and now he’s taken the opportunity and you can see from Watson’s face when that ball bounced in that he had been expecting it.”
“Good serve from Murray, Watson backhand, Murray down the line, Watson stretching and an easy ball to put away for Murray.”
“Fifteen - Love”
“Murray is very much is command here now. Watson’s barely had a look in.”
“Murray’s serve is long. Second serve… Watson returns, Murray backhand, Watson driving him back but he’s left far too much room and Murray easily knocks it into the empty court.”
“Thirty - Love”
“Watson’s trying but he just isn’t finding it. Murray’s a much better player than Watson has faced here and the difference is really showing.”
“Murray serves. Watson returns… but it’s long.”
“Forty - Love.”
“Watson looks a bit annoyed at that last one. The idea was there but it’s like he’s trying too hard.”
“Good serve Murray. Forehand Watson, forehand down the line, returned by Watson, forehand crosscourt Murray, Watson makes it and a cheeky little drop shot from Murray to close down the game. Watson can do nothing but watch as it bounces past him, an almost resigned expression on his face. He knows he’s being beaten by a better player and the crowd knows it too.”
“Game, Murray. Murray leads five games to two, first set. Watson to serve.”
*
Murray wasn’t just better than him, he was much better than him, in everything and there was no-one who was watching this match who would not now be aware of it.
Somehow he had managed to hand in on his first two service games, the second having been particularly close, but being broken in his third one had been horribly inevitable. Damn this, it didn’t matter how much you planned or prepared, sometimes there is simply nothing you can do when faced with a better player.
He slowly screwed the lid back on his second drinks bottle.
“Time. Second set. Murray leads one set to love.”
Of course there was always the difference between going down and going down fighting. If this is going to be it, then he was going to make Murray work for it.
*
“And what’s happening next door on Court Number One? Richard.”
“We’ve finally had a break in this first set and it’s unsurprisingly gone to Holmes. Both players have been playing well, challenging for every point, but it is Holmes who has finally made the break through, taking that game on deuce, pulling out a tremendous crosscourt sliced forehand to take the lead five games to four, Holmes to serve in what could be the last game of the set unless Federer can somehow find the weakness and break him back.”
“Thanks, Richard. We will of course be back there soon, but meanwhile here on Centre Court, Watson is attempting his own fight back after losing the first set, but it’s only been marginally successful. Tim.”
“That’s right, Ann. He’s trying to challenge Murray, but although he’s holding his serve better he isn’t really challenging Murray’s. Best he can hope for is… oh my, Murray’s down, and….”
“He’s clutching his ankle. The crowd are on their feet and Andy Murray, the British Number One, is on his back clutching at his ankle after what looked like a very awkward fall while stretching for a return. The replay clearly shows him rolling onto it and, yes, they’re calling for a doctor.”
“I can’t believe this. Murray is on the floor clearly in pain and look at the pure shock on Watson’s face. Like the rest of us he can only look on and wait to find out what will happen. The doctor has reached the court.”
“Drama all round here on Centre Court. Murray is gritting his teeth while the doctor investigates. This could be bad.”
“This could be very bad. Murray’s not someone who calls a doctor for a minor complaint. It did look as if a lot of his weight went onto that ankle. The doctor’s taking his time examining it. This could be the end of the match.”
“No, wait, the injury is being sprayed with something. Probably a painkiller.”
“Almost certainly, Ann, which means that Murray means to continue.”
“And he’s up, on his feet, clearly in some pain, but he’s walking on it, so it can’t be too bad.”
“Wonder what’s going through his head. Murray’s been injured before. He knows how to play through the pain. The question is, can Watson take advantage? He hasn’t showed that killer instinct in years. Could he do it now and book his way into the semis?”
“It’s four games to three here to Watson in the second set, but we’re on Murray’s serve and he’s leading the game thirty-fifteen. Murray serves but it’s slower than usual. Watson returns tight by the far line and there was no way Murray was going to reach that.”
“Thirty all.”
“Guess that’s our answer. If I were Watson I would keep doing just that, keep the ball away from Murray, make him move, and then collect the points.”
“Murray serves, again slower. Watson returns into the body, Murray, and the drop shot from Watson, short and soft, in at the net. Murray just stares at it.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“Without getting the push from that ankle, Murray’s first serves are now the speed of his second serves. That’s far from good from his point of view.”
“Murray’s serve is long. This has completely changed the match.”
“That is has. If I were Murray I would be praying for the end of the set, for a chance to sit down and really see what the damage is. Maybe even get an injection if he means to continue.”
“Murray serves, Watson backhand down the line, Murray read it, returns, Watson’s there, Murray forehand, Watson, Murray backhand and a change in speed and direction gives Watson the point and the game, and possibly the set as well.”
“Game, Watson. Watson leads five games to three.”
*
That was… that was… well, that was a busted ankle.
Returning to his seat he grabbed his towel, throwing it over his head so his face was covered. Bloody hell. Of all the things to happen. It wasn’t nice to get injured during a match, he knew because he had had that happen to him before, but this was Murray. Murray! British Number One, and now he was taking advantage of an injured man.
One set all.
Pulling off the towel, he glanced across to find that Murray was in deep talks with the doctor. They appeared to be giving him an injection. Painkiller probably, so he planned on continuing then. They would strap the leg up and hope for the best. He had to take advantage now, not let Murray get back into the match. That was one of Murray’s weaknesses, collapsing when put under pressure. Well, he would just have to exert a lot of pressure.
He chewed on his banana and thought back to Sherlock’s notebook. It had all been in there, now he just had to put it into practice.
*
“What a fight we have on our hands here. When the set started I don’t think we knew what to expect, but of all things, this is a battle and a bloody one at that.”
“Advantage Murray.”
“Neither of them want to give in.”
“Murray serves, Watson with the long forehand that bounces just in, Murray returns, Watson powers back, Murray down the line, Watson backhand, Murray backhand, sliced forehand Watson, clips the net and it’s gone over. Murray can only watch as somehow that ball rolls over the top of the net and falls down on his side of the court.”
“Deuce.”
“Luck. That was pure luck. No player plans for such a thing, but you certainly take then when you can.”
“Tim’s right, the number of times that’s happened to me, both ways. You win some, you lose some.”
“Murray serves, Watson returns, Murray forehand, backhand Watson crosscourt, Murray read it, gets there but the ball goes into the net.”
“Advantage Watson.”
“Murray knows that the match could well hinge on what happens here, and so do the crowd. You can feel the anticipation. Everyone is holding their breath.”
“Murray serves, Watson just gets there, Murray forehand, Watson down the line, Murray returns, Watson plays it short, Murray runs in, Watson, oh and a beautiful midcourt crosscourt forehand from Watson gives him the point, the game and most probably the set.”
“Game, Watson. Watson leads six games to five, third set.”
*
He had done it. He had attacked everything Murray had thrown at him and he had stood his ground.
“Watson leads two sets to one.”
It was obvious that the injection had done its job, but that didn’t make the ankle better, just not hurt quite as much. Murray was still slower, wasn’t getting the power in the shots and was clearly getting more and more frustrated. If he could keep this level of play up then it was possible that he could do it, that he could win.
He could win. Bloody hell, he actually really could win.
*
“There’s been a bit of a turn around here as well, Ann. After winning the first set and dominating the second, Holmes has just lost the third. That’s the first set he has lost all tournament and he doesn’t look happy. In fact he looks down right angry. At himself, at the court, at his racket. He all but threw that racket down when the ball went out. We haven’t seen much of that Holmes temper this tournament, but it certainly came out then. I don’t speak much French, but I’m sure the words he was muttering when he returned to his seat were not particularly polite.”
“And what about Federer?”
“Buoyed by that last set win of course. He took a bit of a battering in the second set but now he must be thinking that Holmes can be beaten. We could be facing a bit of an upset here.”
“And Holmes, how do you think he’s going to take it?”
“Uncertain at the moment. He’s still leading of course, but we’ve seen him collapse for no reason before, although he doesn’t look as shaken as he did in France. How he comes out to play in a moment will set the tone for the remainder of the match.”
“Thanks, Richard. We’ll be returning to Court Number One in a short while, but at the moment all eyes are firmly fixed on the dramatic storyline unfolding here on Centre Court. If you’re only just joining us, maybe you’re just in from work, then we’re about to enter the fourth set of a whirlwind match. Against all pre-match predictions, John Watson, who started this competition as a wild card, is leading two sets to one against British Number One, Andy Murray, who having won the first set in great style, went over on his ankle during the second set, which Watson promptly took advantage of, closing out that set to make it one all. After injections on that ankle, Murray came back in the third set with what can only be described as the fight of a wounded lion, but Watson held his ground, took advantage of Murray’s reduced speed and strength to take the set.
“Now we are having a short break before the fourth set. Murray is receiving more treatment and Watson has disappeared for a bathroom break. Tim, John, well, what can we say? Where will this match go from here?”
“It’s hard to say. It really depends on that ankle. If Murray can get it numbed and strapped up he could come back. He is clearly the better player, but Watson has the advantage and not just in terms of score. He has the mental edge as well. He’s on top. He’s won the last two sets, but the longer this match goes on for, the worse Murray’s ankle is going to get.”
“Yeah, Murray’s in a real bind here. He knows he has to close the game down quickly. To win he has to take this next set as fast as he can. The longer Watson can drag this out for, the more likely Murray is to succumb to the pain and pressure. Murray’s going to come out in this set and he’s going to hammer Watson with everything he’s got. He’s going to tear around that court and Watson is going to have to plant his flag in deep if he’s going to survive.”
“So you think Murray has a chance then?”
“Murray’s always had a chance, but he has a bad habit of choking, especially in situations like these. The next few games are going to be crucial. If Watson can survive them then the match is basically his.”
*
He had known Murray wouldn’t go down without a fight. He had no idea how bad the ankle injury was, but it was clear that Murray had called for a doctor while he had been having a bathroom break. The ankle had been re-strapped and he’d probably had a new injection in it. He would have if it had been him. It was only sensible.
Being two sets to one down Murray had very little to lose. The injury also meant that any chance of winning would fade the longer the match when on for. So he had known that Murray would come out roaring. He just hadn’t expected it to be quite like this.
“Game Murray. Murray leads three games to one, fourth set. Watson to serve. New balls please.”
He was a break down. Somehow Murray had already broken him. How had he allowed that to happen? Okay, okay, so it hadn’t really been a case of ‘allow’, and he had been there so he was fully aware of how Murray had broken him, but even so.
Concentrate, Watson. It’s not the end of the world. There is still another set even if Murray wins this one, and there’s nothing to say that Murray is going to win this one. All you need to do is break him back. Yes, you’re tired, your shoulder hurts, your back isn’t great and even your goddamn leg is starting to complain, but he has got to be more tired and in more pain. Remember that, and remember that if you win you might even be able to get Sherlock to kiss all your aches and pains better. That was a nice thought, if only a little unbelievable. Hey, maybe they could kiss each other’s aches and pains, or at least just kiss. That would be nice. Kissing was nice. Kissing Sherlock was always very nice and there wouldn’t be much more of that to come. Better take advantage while you can. Win and do lots of kissing.
He collected the balls he needed to serve with. New ball. New beginnings. New changes.
He walked to the baseline and prepared himself.
Kiss away the pain.
He bounced the ball.
He liked the sound of that.
He tossed the ball into the air and hammered it across the net.
*
“He’s stepped up a gear. Watson has found something extra and now he’s taking the match right back to Murray.”
“Did you see that smile he had when he held his serve?”
“Complete satisfaction.”
“Absolutely.”
“Would love to know what went through his head before that game because he came out a new player.”
“Murray serves, Watson returns, Murray hits deep, Watson crosscourt, Murray slice down the line, Watson reaches, Murray backhand, Watson… and a brilliant stroke from Watson to take the point.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“Murray’s shaken. He knew he had Watson just a few games ago, but Watson’s back and stronger than ever. Such determination.”
“Murray’s serve… and it’s long.”
“This is going to be an important point.”
“Murray serves, Watson’s right on it, backhand Murray, Watson’s come in. Murray forehand, half volley Watson, Murray gets there, but the smash from Watson into the empty court and that could be the key point of this match.”
“Game, Watson.”
“That’s the break back Murray was fearing.”
“Three games all.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but we really do need to go to Court Number One. Richard, what’s going on over there?”
“Well, it’s all over, Ann. After losing the third set and his temper, Holmes came out here and simply powered his way through to take the fourth set. Federer barely knew what hit him. At times Holmes’ game was brutal, so different from his usual display of technique and precision game strategy. He was like a bull, his shots hard, fast and deadly. He’s through to the semi-finals; 6-4, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2. He’ll be facing Moriarty in the replay of the French Open Final.”
“Thanks, Richard. That’s three of the four semi-finalists now confirmed, but of course we’re still waiting on the outcome of the match that is simply gripping the nation. England verses Scotland. Veteran verses Youth. Watson verses Murray. And we’re going right back into the action.
*
Come on, Watson, you’ve broken him once, you can do it again. Close this game out, win, get off the court, grab a shower and later you can celebrate. Just win now. Dig deep, fight, like you used to, like you need to, like you want to. Fight and win.
“Fifteen - Forty.”
“Watson has two match points here. He’s all over Murray, countering everything that has been thrown at him and returning it.”
“Murray serves, Watson backhand to Murray’s forehand, Watson’s stretching but the shot goes wide.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“One match point saved by Murray but look at that expression on Watson’s face. He wants this.”
“Determination. Sheer determination.”
“Murray serves, Watson returns, Murray down the line, Watson counters, Murray with the slice, Watson makes it and a beautiful shot there from John Watson, a neat little forehand that bounces just in and you can hear the crowd. They can’t believe it. They have witnessed a monumental match today, with brilliant play from both players, but in the end that ankle injury made all the difference. Today, given the chance, John Watson, on the cusp of retirement, stepped in and stepped up, and he has won; 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.
“John Watson is through to the semi-finals.”
*
End Part Six
6/10 - part 2
Previous part
*
Centre Court was bigger than he remembered, louder and definitely more intimidating.
The cheer went up the moment they exited the tunnel and stepped out into the hot afternoon sunlight. He could see lots of British flags and a mixture of red and white, and white and blue. He had no way of knowing, but he had a feeling that more of the crowd were there to support Murray than him, but that was hardly surprising. Before this tournament he was surprised he had had any fans at all.
He took his seat and tried to block everything out. Right, he had a game plan. It wasn’t a particularly comprehensive one, but a plan none the less. Beat Murray, shag Sherlock, punch Moriarty. He knocked his racket against the palm of his hand. Simple, but then again, the best plans always were. They only became more complicated in the execution of them.
He got up to practice hitting the ball, checking he was loose and that he hadn’t somehow forgotten how to play the game. Good, his serve was still working. Excellent.
“Time.”
Oh god, this was it.
*
“Game, Murray”
“Lovely forehand down the line there from Murray.
”Murray leads, four games to two. First set. Murray to serve.”
“Really that shot just summed up what we’ve been watching. Ever since the first game Watson has basically been outplayed. He only just held his second service game, but this break by Murray was inevitable. He’s been chipping away at Watson, taking more and more points, and now he’s taken the opportunity and you can see from Watson’s face when that ball bounced in that he had been expecting it.”
“Good serve from Murray, Watson backhand, Murray down the line, Watson stretching and an easy ball to put away for Murray.”
“Fifteen - Love”
“Murray is very much is command here now. Watson’s barely had a look in.”
“Murray’s serve is long. Second serve… Watson returns, Murray backhand, Watson driving him back but he’s left far too much room and Murray easily knocks it into the empty court.”
“Thirty - Love”
“Watson’s trying but he just isn’t finding it. Murray’s a much better player than Watson has faced here and the difference is really showing.”
“Murray serves. Watson returns… but it’s long.”
“Forty - Love.”
“Watson looks a bit annoyed at that last one. The idea was there but it’s like he’s trying too hard.”
“Good serve Murray. Forehand Watson, forehand down the line, returned by Watson, forehand crosscourt Murray, Watson makes it and a cheeky little drop shot from Murray to close down the game. Watson can do nothing but watch as it bounces past him, an almost resigned expression on his face. He knows he’s being beaten by a better player and the crowd knows it too.”
“Game, Murray. Murray leads five games to two, first set. Watson to serve.”
*
Murray wasn’t just better than him, he was much better than him, in everything and there was no-one who was watching this match who would not now be aware of it.
Somehow he had managed to hand in on his first two service games, the second having been particularly close, but being broken in his third one had been horribly inevitable. Damn this, it didn’t matter how much you planned or prepared, sometimes there is simply nothing you can do when faced with a better player.
He slowly screwed the lid back on his second drinks bottle.
“Time. Second set. Murray leads one set to love.”
Of course there was always the difference between going down and going down fighting. If this is going to be it, then he was going to make Murray work for it.
*
“And what’s happening next door on Court Number One? Richard.”
“We’ve finally had a break in this first set and it’s unsurprisingly gone to Holmes. Both players have been playing well, challenging for every point, but it is Holmes who has finally made the break through, taking that game on deuce, pulling out a tremendous crosscourt sliced forehand to take the lead five games to four, Holmes to serve in what could be the last game of the set unless Federer can somehow find the weakness and break him back.”
“Thanks, Richard. We will of course be back there soon, but meanwhile here on Centre Court, Watson is attempting his own fight back after losing the first set, but it’s only been marginally successful. Tim.”
“That’s right, Ann. He’s trying to challenge Murray, but although he’s holding his serve better he isn’t really challenging Murray’s. Best he can hope for is… oh my, Murray’s down, and….”
“He’s clutching his ankle. The crowd are on their feet and Andy Murray, the British Number One, is on his back clutching at his ankle after what looked like a very awkward fall while stretching for a return. The replay clearly shows him rolling onto it and, yes, they’re calling for a doctor.”
“I can’t believe this. Murray is on the floor clearly in pain and look at the pure shock on Watson’s face. Like the rest of us he can only look on and wait to find out what will happen. The doctor has reached the court.”
“Drama all round here on Centre Court. Murray is gritting his teeth while the doctor investigates. This could be bad.”
“This could be very bad. Murray’s not someone who calls a doctor for a minor complaint. It did look as if a lot of his weight went onto that ankle. The doctor’s taking his time examining it. This could be the end of the match.”
“No, wait, the injury is being sprayed with something. Probably a painkiller.”
“Almost certainly, Ann, which means that Murray means to continue.”
“And he’s up, on his feet, clearly in some pain, but he’s walking on it, so it can’t be too bad.”
“Wonder what’s going through his head. Murray’s been injured before. He knows how to play through the pain. The question is, can Watson take advantage? He hasn’t showed that killer instinct in years. Could he do it now and book his way into the semis?”
“It’s four games to three here to Watson in the second set, but we’re on Murray’s serve and he’s leading the game thirty-fifteen. Murray serves but it’s slower than usual. Watson returns tight by the far line and there was no way Murray was going to reach that.”
“Thirty all.”
“Guess that’s our answer. If I were Watson I would keep doing just that, keep the ball away from Murray, make him move, and then collect the points.”
“Murray serves, again slower. Watson returns into the body, Murray, and the drop shot from Watson, short and soft, in at the net. Murray just stares at it.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“Without getting the push from that ankle, Murray’s first serves are now the speed of his second serves. That’s far from good from his point of view.”
“Murray’s serve is long. This has completely changed the match.”
“That is has. If I were Murray I would be praying for the end of the set, for a chance to sit down and really see what the damage is. Maybe even get an injection if he means to continue.”
“Murray serves, Watson backhand down the line, Murray read it, returns, Watson’s there, Murray forehand, Watson, Murray backhand and a change in speed and direction gives Watson the point and the game, and possibly the set as well.”
“Game, Watson. Watson leads five games to three.”
*
That was… that was… well, that was a busted ankle.
Returning to his seat he grabbed his towel, throwing it over his head so his face was covered. Bloody hell. Of all the things to happen. It wasn’t nice to get injured during a match, he knew because he had had that happen to him before, but this was Murray. Murray! British Number One, and now he was taking advantage of an injured man.
One set all.
Pulling off the towel, he glanced across to find that Murray was in deep talks with the doctor. They appeared to be giving him an injection. Painkiller probably, so he planned on continuing then. They would strap the leg up and hope for the best. He had to take advantage now, not let Murray get back into the match. That was one of Murray’s weaknesses, collapsing when put under pressure. Well, he would just have to exert a lot of pressure.
He chewed on his banana and thought back to Sherlock’s notebook. It had all been in there, now he just had to put it into practice.
*
“What a fight we have on our hands here. When the set started I don’t think we knew what to expect, but of all things, this is a battle and a bloody one at that.”
“Advantage Murray.”
“Neither of them want to give in.”
“Murray serves, Watson with the long forehand that bounces just in, Murray returns, Watson powers back, Murray down the line, Watson backhand, Murray backhand, sliced forehand Watson, clips the net and it’s gone over. Murray can only watch as somehow that ball rolls over the top of the net and falls down on his side of the court.”
“Deuce.”
“Luck. That was pure luck. No player plans for such a thing, but you certainly take then when you can.”
“Tim’s right, the number of times that’s happened to me, both ways. You win some, you lose some.”
“Murray serves, Watson returns, Murray forehand, backhand Watson crosscourt, Murray read it, gets there but the ball goes into the net.”
“Advantage Watson.”
“Murray knows that the match could well hinge on what happens here, and so do the crowd. You can feel the anticipation. Everyone is holding their breath.”
“Murray serves, Watson just gets there, Murray forehand, Watson down the line, Murray returns, Watson plays it short, Murray runs in, Watson, oh and a beautiful midcourt crosscourt forehand from Watson gives him the point, the game and most probably the set.”
“Game, Watson. Watson leads six games to five, third set.”
*
He had done it. He had attacked everything Murray had thrown at him and he had stood his ground.
“Watson leads two sets to one.”
It was obvious that the injection had done its job, but that didn’t make the ankle better, just not hurt quite as much. Murray was still slower, wasn’t getting the power in the shots and was clearly getting more and more frustrated. If he could keep this level of play up then it was possible that he could do it, that he could win.
He could win. Bloody hell, he actually really could win.
*
“There’s been a bit of a turn around here as well, Ann. After winning the first set and dominating the second, Holmes has just lost the third. That’s the first set he has lost all tournament and he doesn’t look happy. In fact he looks down right angry. At himself, at the court, at his racket. He all but threw that racket down when the ball went out. We haven’t seen much of that Holmes temper this tournament, but it certainly came out then. I don’t speak much French, but I’m sure the words he was muttering when he returned to his seat were not particularly polite.”
“And what about Federer?”
“Buoyed by that last set win of course. He took a bit of a battering in the second set but now he must be thinking that Holmes can be beaten. We could be facing a bit of an upset here.”
“And Holmes, how do you think he’s going to take it?”
“Uncertain at the moment. He’s still leading of course, but we’ve seen him collapse for no reason before, although he doesn’t look as shaken as he did in France. How he comes out to play in a moment will set the tone for the remainder of the match.”
“Thanks, Richard. We’ll be returning to Court Number One in a short while, but at the moment all eyes are firmly fixed on the dramatic storyline unfolding here on Centre Court. If you’re only just joining us, maybe you’re just in from work, then we’re about to enter the fourth set of a whirlwind match. Against all pre-match predictions, John Watson, who started this competition as a wild card, is leading two sets to one against British Number One, Andy Murray, who having won the first set in great style, went over on his ankle during the second set, which Watson promptly took advantage of, closing out that set to make it one all. After injections on that ankle, Murray came back in the third set with what can only be described as the fight of a wounded lion, but Watson held his ground, took advantage of Murray’s reduced speed and strength to take the set.
“Now we are having a short break before the fourth set. Murray is receiving more treatment and Watson has disappeared for a bathroom break. Tim, John, well, what can we say? Where will this match go from here?”
“It’s hard to say. It really depends on that ankle. If Murray can get it numbed and strapped up he could come back. He is clearly the better player, but Watson has the advantage and not just in terms of score. He has the mental edge as well. He’s on top. He’s won the last two sets, but the longer this match goes on for, the worse Murray’s ankle is going to get.”
“Yeah, Murray’s in a real bind here. He knows he has to close the game down quickly. To win he has to take this next set as fast as he can. The longer Watson can drag this out for, the more likely Murray is to succumb to the pain and pressure. Murray’s going to come out in this set and he’s going to hammer Watson with everything he’s got. He’s going to tear around that court and Watson is going to have to plant his flag in deep if he’s going to survive.”
“So you think Murray has a chance then?”
“Murray’s always had a chance, but he has a bad habit of choking, especially in situations like these. The next few games are going to be crucial. If Watson can survive them then the match is basically his.”
*
He had known Murray wouldn’t go down without a fight. He had no idea how bad the ankle injury was, but it was clear that Murray had called for a doctor while he had been having a bathroom break. The ankle had been re-strapped and he’d probably had a new injection in it. He would have if it had been him. It was only sensible.
Being two sets to one down Murray had very little to lose. The injury also meant that any chance of winning would fade the longer the match when on for. So he had known that Murray would come out roaring. He just hadn’t expected it to be quite like this.
“Game Murray. Murray leads three games to one, fourth set. Watson to serve. New balls please.”
He was a break down. Somehow Murray had already broken him. How had he allowed that to happen? Okay, okay, so it hadn’t really been a case of ‘allow’, and he had been there so he was fully aware of how Murray had broken him, but even so.
Concentrate, Watson. It’s not the end of the world. There is still another set even if Murray wins this one, and there’s nothing to say that Murray is going to win this one. All you need to do is break him back. Yes, you’re tired, your shoulder hurts, your back isn’t great and even your goddamn leg is starting to complain, but he has got to be more tired and in more pain. Remember that, and remember that if you win you might even be able to get Sherlock to kiss all your aches and pains better. That was a nice thought, if only a little unbelievable. Hey, maybe they could kiss each other’s aches and pains, or at least just kiss. That would be nice. Kissing was nice. Kissing Sherlock was always very nice and there wouldn’t be much more of that to come. Better take advantage while you can. Win and do lots of kissing.
He collected the balls he needed to serve with. New ball. New beginnings. New changes.
He walked to the baseline and prepared himself.
Kiss away the pain.
He bounced the ball.
He liked the sound of that.
He tossed the ball into the air and hammered it across the net.
*
“He’s stepped up a gear. Watson has found something extra and now he’s taking the match right back to Murray.”
“Did you see that smile he had when he held his serve?”
“Complete satisfaction.”
“Absolutely.”
“Would love to know what went through his head before that game because he came out a new player.”
“Murray serves, Watson returns, Murray hits deep, Watson crosscourt, Murray slice down the line, Watson reaches, Murray backhand, Watson… and a brilliant stroke from Watson to take the point.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“Murray’s shaken. He knew he had Watson just a few games ago, but Watson’s back and stronger than ever. Such determination.”
“Murray’s serve… and it’s long.”
“This is going to be an important point.”
“Murray serves, Watson’s right on it, backhand Murray, Watson’s come in. Murray forehand, half volley Watson, Murray gets there, but the smash from Watson into the empty court and that could be the key point of this match.”
“Game, Watson.”
“That’s the break back Murray was fearing.”
“Three games all.”
“Sorry to interrupt, but we really do need to go to Court Number One. Richard, what’s going on over there?”
“Well, it’s all over, Ann. After losing the third set and his temper, Holmes came out here and simply powered his way through to take the fourth set. Federer barely knew what hit him. At times Holmes’ game was brutal, so different from his usual display of technique and precision game strategy. He was like a bull, his shots hard, fast and deadly. He’s through to the semi-finals; 6-4, 6-3, 6-7, 6-2. He’ll be facing Moriarty in the replay of the French Open Final.”
“Thanks, Richard. That’s three of the four semi-finalists now confirmed, but of course we’re still waiting on the outcome of the match that is simply gripping the nation. England verses Scotland. Veteran verses Youth. Watson verses Murray. And we’re going right back into the action.
*
Come on, Watson, you’ve broken him once, you can do it again. Close this game out, win, get off the court, grab a shower and later you can celebrate. Just win now. Dig deep, fight, like you used to, like you need to, like you want to. Fight and win.
“Fifteen - Forty.”
“Watson has two match points here. He’s all over Murray, countering everything that has been thrown at him and returning it.”
“Murray serves, Watson backhand to Murray’s forehand, Watson’s stretching but the shot goes wide.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“One match point saved by Murray but look at that expression on Watson’s face. He wants this.”
“Determination. Sheer determination.”
“Murray serves, Watson returns, Murray down the line, Watson counters, Murray with the slice, Watson makes it and a beautiful shot there from John Watson, a neat little forehand that bounces just in and you can hear the crowd. They can’t believe it. They have witnessed a monumental match today, with brilliant play from both players, but in the end that ankle injury made all the difference. Today, given the chance, John Watson, on the cusp of retirement, stepped in and stepped up, and he has won; 3-6, 6-3, 7-5, 6-4.
“John Watson is through to the semi-finals.”
*
End Part Six