New Fic: A Study in Winning (10/10) part 2 of 2
A Study in Winning
10/10 - part 2
Previous part
*
“Well the roof is now on and we’ve had the signal that play can be resumed. We’re just waiting for the players, and there’s Moriarty now, still as relaxed as he has been, waving to the crowd.”
“He certainly looks confident, Ann.”
“He’s just oozing confidence. There’s a man who knows that this Championship is right within his grasp. Two sets up and dominating so much as he is, I doubt there is anyone watching this game who doesn’t think he’ll be adding Wimbledon to his growing list of titles.”
“We’re still waiting for Watson to emerge, but is there anything he can do to even push this match into a fourth set?”
“In all honesty, probably not. Before the break he was looking like the man who knew he was on the brink of defeat. His shoulders and head had dropped, each shot he made looked like he was in pain. I thought he even looked as if he was hobbling, as if there was something wrong with his right thigh. Even if he comes out here with a new lease of life he might find that it’s just all too much.”
“He’s certainly in a hole now. He would really need to come out and smash through Moriarty’s game, but I honestly think he’s not a good enough player to do that. Djovokic couldn’t do it, Holmes couldn’t quite manage it, both of them are fantastic players. I really can’t see Watson doing more than putting on a token defence.”
“Well Watson has finally emerged from the tunnel, his expression is certainly grim.”
“It certainly is. Looks like determination….”
“Or pain.”
“Or pain, but at least he’s back to finish what he started.”
“It looks like Moriarty is saying a few words to him. What do you think that’s all about?”
“Could be anything, Ann, but Watson’s now smiling so it can’t have been too bad.”
“Maybe thanking him for actually coming back out, because I would be surprised if that thought hadn’t crossed Watson’s mind with the injuries he’s carrying.”
“Well, we’re about to get underway here. Outside it’s still raining but we’re dry under the roof of Centre Court and the match is once more about to resume.”
*
John, you need to go out there and do what I know you can do. But don’t do it for me, don’t do it for the crowd and the fans, do it for you. Win for you.
Sherlock’s last words echoed through his mind as he made his way back onto the court. He had never played here with the roof on of course, and somehow it felt different. It felt smaller, closer, more intimate somehow. He knew that the same number of people were still watching, there were still fifteen thousand people sat in the Court, but that didn’t matter. Of course that didn’t matter because now the one person who mattered to him was watching, Sherlock Bloody Holmes, who wanted him, had feelings for him, but more than that believed in him was watching and honestly believed that he could win. No one had believed in him for a long time, not even himself.
Do it for you.
He could fight for this. He had to prove that, to Sherlock, to the crowd, but more than that, to himself. Go out there and find out who you really are, Watson. This is the Wimbledon final. You fought to get this far, don’t you dare throw it away without a bloody battle. You can do this. Wipe that smug, arrogant smile off his face once and for all.
He gritted his teeth together just to stop himself from smiling too much. That would be inappropriate and unprofessional, but the thought of smacking Moriarty round the face again would be so very, very brilliant.
“I was starting to think you wouldn’t dare show your face,” Moriarty said to him as he passed the other player’s chair.
“Well,” he said, “let’s just say a certain Frenchman came to give me the kiss of life,” and a knock upside the head of course, and then he smiled because it was impossible not to.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, as play resumes, Moriarty leads two sets to love, one game to love, fifteen to love. Moriarty to serve, second serve.”
There was an awful lot of love there and although it might be that in tennis love means you lose, at the same time, in order to win a tennis match you first had to start with love. He gave a wry smile and made a note to tell that one to Sherlock later.
*
“And as play resumes, Moriarty is collecting the balls to start on serve. It’s his second serve remember, as his first one right before the break went into the net… and this one has done the same thing.”
“Fifteen all.”
“It can be hard coming back in the middle of a game, even worse on your second serve like that as your momentum has gone and it can take a couple of balls in order to build it up again.”
“Moriarty is collecting his next set of balls and is now ready to serve again… it’s good. Watson powers it back and Moriarty can do nothing with it.”
“Fifteen - Thirty.”
“Watson had his number on that one. Well taken, very well played, just far enough out of Moriarty’s reach to make it hard for the other player. I don’t think we’ve seen Watson strike such a good ball so far in this match.”
“That was a good ball, like John said, but Moriarty’s serve also wasn’t the best. The question is, can Watson follow that up?”
“Moriarty serves down the line. Watson returns, crosscourt Moriarty, back hand chip return but it’s just wide from Watson.”
“Thirty all.”
“Good play by Watson, a little unlucky there, but it’s clear he has some sort of game plan now.”
“It doesn’t look as if he’s just waiting for Moriarty to bash him around the court any more. He’s being proactive, coming to the ball, trying something new.”
“Good serve from Moriarty. Watson returns, Moriarty forehand, Watson pushes it back deep, Moriarty down the line, Watson crosscourt, Moriarty, but it bounces just wide and it’s as if he can’t quite believe it.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“Again good play by Watson, but Moriarty really should have done something better with that and he knows it.”
“Thirty-forty, could this be a turning point in the game?”
“If Watson gets the next point then it could well be, Ann. You can hear it in the crowd, there’s a sort of buzz going on out there, as if no one dares say anything just in case.”
“Moriarty lines up for the serve, but it’s long. Another unusual serve from Moriarty there, he’s usually so precise, but so far this game his play has been riddled with errors. He serves again, Watson with the backhand, forehand Moriarty, Watson forehand, forehand Moriarty, Watson with the slice, it bounces high and Moriarty hits the net.”
“Game, Watson.”
“Would you believe that?”
“One game all. Watson to serve.”
“Against the odds, Watson has managed to break back and Moriarty looks decidedly unhappy about it.”
“Moriarty looks furious. He’s usually so calm and collected, but look at him.”
“He’s got to reign that temper in, use it somehow or he’s going to find himself in trouble.”
“If he channels it then Watson could find himself with a lot of problems, but if not, then we could be about to see a whole new match appearing.”
“Watson to serve… and it’s an ace.”
“Fifteen - Love.”
“That looked like Watson’s fastest serve this match. He threw everything into it and it looks like it’s paying off.”
“Moriarty barely had time to react to it.”
“Watson lines up again, serves, Moriarty returns, Watson thuds it back deep, Moriarty forehand to Watson’s forehand, Moriarty backhand, Watson’s stretching and an absolutely fabulous return from Watson, stretching on the run, twisting to get it, and it bounces past Moriarty for the point and the American can only look at it in surprise.”
“Thirty - Love.”
“Now that was impressive from Watson. He would have barely seen that ball, would have been reacting on instinct and what a return he managed.”
“The crowd certainly think so. It’s as if they’ve woken up and suddenly they’re back on Watson’s side, cheering him on.”
“Quiet please.”
“Whatever happened during the break, Watson’s come out here a whole new player. Whatever he found in this competition to get this far, he’s found it again.”
“Watson bounces the ball, serves, Moriarty backhand, Watson forehand deep, Moriarty crosscourt, Watson returns, Moriarty forehand, Watson with the slice, it clips the net but the force sends it over and Moriarty at the back of the court had no way of getting that.”
“Forty - Love.”
“Lucky ball that, but in a game like tennis you make your own luck, and so far Watson has come back out here like a new player and he’s the one controlling the game, asking the questions. For the first time ever, Moriarty is the one on the back foot.”
“Watson serves, but it’s wide.”
“If Watson can hold this together, then we might just have a final on our hands.”
“Watson serves again, good, Moriarty pushing wide, Watson thuds it back but it’s just long.”
“Forty - Fifteen.”
“Watson’s smiling, he knows he should have done better, but he’s not beating himself up about it.”
“He’s still got a little room for error in this game, although not much. He can’t afford to let Moriarty back in.”
“Watson’s bouncing the ball, now he serves, Moriarty returns but Watson’s at the net with an excellent volley that wrong foots Moriarty and he puts it away for the game.”
“Game, Watson. Watson leads two games to one.”
“Well, who would have thought just forty minutes ago that there was even a chance that Watson would be able to come back in this match?”
“Just listen to that crowd.”
“Look, over there, is that….”
“That’s Sherlock Holmes.”
“That’s definitely Holmes.”
“And he’s going to sit in Watson’s player’s box.”
“Well that’s interesting. There’s been some speculation that Watson’s extraordinary form is at least partly down to his new unlikely friendship with Holmes. Maybe his appearance here has helped sparked Watson back into life. If there was anyone here who knows what Moriarty is like to play on the big scene then Holmes would be it.”
“Tennis is so much a sport where the result is down to confidence as much as anything else. Watson said so in his pre-match interview. Maybe Holmes’ support has managed to inject some of that confidence back into him.”
“Well it’s now Moriarty’s turn to serve. Let’s see if Watson can keep it up.”
*
Come on, Watson, you can do it. See, Sherlock was right, Moriarty definitely doesn’t like his plans being challenged. Look at him, you’ve got him on the back foot. Listen to the crowd, they think you can do it. But stay calm. One point at a time.
Come on!
*
“And a truly brilliant forehand crosscourt slice from Watson, inch perfect to take that all important point.”
“Fifteen - Forty.”
“Two break points for Watson here.”
“He’s been inspired this game. He actually has the confidence to play that last shot, which isn’t the easiest, and it’s paying off, he’s getting the points again.”
“Moriarty bouncing the ball, but his serve is long.”
“Moriarty looks like he’s in trouble here. His serve has been all over the place.”
“Watson has definitely shaken him.”
“Second serve… and it’s long as well. Double fault from Moriarty, his second in the match and only his fifth in this entire competition.”
“Game, Watson. Watson leads three games to one.”
“Such a key point and you can see just how happy Watson is. He’s got that all important break now. This match has certainly got interesting.”
*
“And he’s done it.”
“Game and set, Watson. Six games to three. Moriarty leads two sets to one.”
“Look at Watson punching the air. ‘Come on,’ he’s shouting.”
“Come on indeed. What a fight back Watson is having. He’s battling for every point. What a turnaround from the first two sets when Moriarty controlled everything.”
“The momentum is certainly going Watson’s way.”
“Come on, John.”
“Listen to the crowd. They’ve dropped the ‘Come on, Tim,’ now, they’re right behind him.”
*
“Game, Watson. Two games all.”
“Moriarty is certainly back in this match, but he’s still not looking like he did at the beginning. All the easy confidence has been stripped away. He knows he now has a battle on his hands.”
*
“Game, Watson. Four games all.”
“Watson had to fight for that one as Moriarty threw everything at him, but he’s still standing.”
“He’s getting battered but he’s standing and managing to hold his serve and at the moment that’s the main thing.”
“Moriarty doesn’t look too happy.”
“He’s got to be kicking himself, Ann. That was by far his best chance this set and he really should have buried that ball at fifteen-thirty, but he let Watson off the hook and he’s paid the price.”
*
“Moriarty serves, Watson whips it back, Moriarty down the line, Watson at a stretch, Moriarty crosscourt, but Watson read it well, chased back across, Moriarty smash, Watson with the dive and somehow that got over the net, bounces in and Watson gets the point.”
“Thirty - Fifteen.”
“Brilliant never say die play there by Watson. On the back foot all the time, but somehow he managed to scoop out the winner, even if he did end up on the grass, and now you’ve got to be wondering just what is going through Moriarty’s head. Half a match ago Watson was dead and buried, now he’s the one wielding the axe.”
“Watson has picked himself up and his shaking out his shoulders. Let’s hope he didn’t aggravate his injury with those acrobatics.”
“He seems to be alright and is now lining up to receive the next serve.”
“Moriarty serves, comes in for the volley and oww, that has got to have hurt. Watson’s full speed, double hand backhand just smashed right into Moriarty just above net height and the American is down clutching his stomach.”
“Thirty - All.”
“That was unfortunate. With the speed of that serve, Watson would have been lucky to have time to get his shot in, let alone to aim it.”
“Watson is now at the net. Looks like he’s checking to see if Moriarty is alright. Oh, now he’s offering to help him up and saying something while patting him on the back.”
“Don’t often see behaviour like that, Ann. They may be rivals, this may be a Grand Slam final, but some good sportsman like attitude is still there.”
*
He wouldn’t exactly say that he had planned that shot, but when he saw the opportunity present itself he took it, with all his might. Seeing Moriarty go down clutching his stomach was one of the most satisfying moments of his career, and not one he wanted to see let pass.
“You know,” he said conversationally as he offered the other man a hand up, “win or lose, it’s me he’ll be kissing better tonight. Smile for the cameras.”
Okay, perhaps not particularly sportsman like behaviour, but Moriarty had already proved in the past that he didn’t play fair. Sometimes you just had to fight fire with fire. And people claimed he didn’t have the killer instinct.
*
“Moriarty is up and waiting to serve again. He bounces the ball, serves, Watson with the forehand, Moriarty forehand but he over hits it and it goes long.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“It’s break point to Watson.”
“That first serve from Moriarty seemed slow. Do we have a speed for it?
“The computer says ninety-one miles an hour.”
“Ouch, that is slow. Do you think that strike to the stomach has affected him?”
“Could well have done. Moriarty to serve, Watson backhand and he’s done it, he’s broken Moriarty.”
“Game, Watson.”
“Fantastic strike from Watson there. Two handed, low, fast and right on the line.”
“Challenge by Moriarty. Ball was called good.”
“Moriarty’s challenging it.”
“That’s perhaps a little optimistic of him, but it was a very deep shot. I didn’t see any chalk fly up, but we’re not at the best angle. I certainly thought it was in.”
“Watson doesn’t look surprised by the challenge.”
“It’s coming up on the screen now and… ooh, that was close, but that was definitely in.”
“Excellent call from the line judge there. Spot on.”
“Ball was good. Moriarty has one challenge remaining. Game Watson. Watson leads five games to four. Watson to serve.”
*
“And it’s an ace. Watson thunders the ball down the centre of the court to take what could be the most important point of his career.”
“Game and set, Watson. Six games to four. Two sets all. Fifth and final set.”
“The crowd are on their feet and Watson is punching the air. What a complete turnaround. The Wimbledon final and we’re about to go into a fifth and final set. What a comeback from John Watson.”
“Unbelievable. Just listen to that roar. The crowd knows that he can do it. He’s fought back and he’s refusing to be beaten. It’s the stuff of movies.”
“As the players take a well-earned break, let’s go across to Ruth who is still out on Watson Watch on the Hill. Ruth.”
“Yes, I’m still here, Ann, a little damp but this match is more than making up for that. It’s stopped raining now and the downpour did see off some of the people, but for those who stayed, well, what a match. You should have heard the roar here when that last shot went in. Arms, flags, umbrellas, everything went up in the air. If Watson can do it, if he can win, then the party will be here.”
“Thanks, Ruth. If you’re just joining us expecting “Songs of Praise”, then that’s been rescheduled, but stay with us because in just a few minutes we’ll be entering into the fifth and final set of a truly rollercoaster of a final. Two sets all between the American Jim Moriarty, and of course our British hopeful, John Watson. Stick the kettle on, grab a drink, but come back quickly because I guarantee you won’t want to miss this.”
*
“So, what a match so far.”
“You can say that again, Ann.”
“Have we had another final like this?”
“Well, Federer verses Nadal two years ago was quite the tussle, but not quite like this. I can’t think of anything like this.”
“This match has so far been incredibly mismatched. Moriarty in the first two sets, it was as if there was nothing Watson could do to break down Moriarty’s game. Then Watson in those last two sets, it’s as if Moriarty was so surprised by Watson’s come back that he forgot that he still needed to play.”
“Oh absolutely, Tim, it was as if Moriarty thought he had already won, and maybe if it hadn’t been for the weather, he would have done, but you have to hand it to Watson, he looked completely dead and buried, listless, dejected, his head was down, his shots tired, but he’s dug in and he’s found something. He’s faster, sharper, he seems more confident in his own strokes and he’s proved that he is still a brilliant player. The skill, the shots, he still has it. That flick he did on the run, that was incredible. The confidence, the precision, why he hasn’t been playing like that for years, well, maybe only he can tell us.”
“He has been playing incredibly well in the last two sets but can he keep it up? One set to go, what do you think is going to happen?”
“Oh anything, Ann. This match has so far defied prediction.”
“John?”
“Well, if I were Moriarty I would be taking this time to refocus and regroup. He came out here after the rain break thinking he had it in the bag and then Watson came out and tipped up the bag and hit him over the head with it. Now he knows that Watson isn’t just going to let him take it he needs to come up with a new game plan and I think he’s going to come out here like he did against Holmes, against Djokovic, with the respect he had for those players and he’s going to try and prove why he’s the new World Number One.”
“And what about Watson?”
“I think Watson needs to be careful. He can’t afford to get carried away. Yes, he’s had two frankly brilliant sets but Moriarty isn’t finished yet. Watson may find that he needs to dig deep, very deep again and not make any early errors. He can’t afford to let Moriarty get into some sort of rhythm, because once he gets going he’s hard to stop.”
“So there we have it. The players are once again emerging from the tunnel and taking their seats. Both of them are wearing expressions of grim determination. Both have everything to play for. This is the fifth and deciding set, Moriarty verses Watson, which one will walk away with that trophy? Well, we’ll have to wait and see.”
*
Okay, he’s going to come at you hard and fast. This is Jim Moriarty, if he can find a way to play dirty he will. Remember what Sherlock has just told you. Keep loose. Don’t think about all the places where it hurts. Trust your instincts. Play simple. Get the basics right. Chase everything. And it is not over until it is over.
He twisted to look back at his player’s box. Sherlock was there. He was still there and win or lose he would still be there.
You have to fight this for you, he reminded himself. All those years, all that practice, all those games, this is it. It’s time to find out what you are really made of, John Watson. Only you can win this.
Only you.
“Time.”
He got up from his seat.
Only you.
*
“And it’s Moriarty to serve first. He’s collected his balls, testing them, knocking away the third one. Now he’s ready, he’s bouncing the ball, taking his time and… lovely ace there from Moriarty.”
“Fifteen - Love.
“Moriarty looking like he’s come out here and started like he means to go on.”
“Absolutely. That’s the Moriarty serve we all know. Well placed to Watson’s weaker side. Fast, direct, practically on the line, like a bullet. Watson stood no chance.”
“Moriarty is getting ready for his next serve… and it’s good. Watson forehand driving deep, Moriarty forehand whipped back, Watson down the line, Moriarty read it well, Watson scrambles, Moriarty with the backhand to take the point.”
“Thirty - Love.
“Good play from both of them but Moriarty was always the one in control there. He seems to have recovered his composure and his form.”
“Excellent game play there from Moriarty. He seems to want to make Watson run. Considering Watson’s age and how long this match has gone on for that’s a good tactic. Out of the two players, Watson’s the one more likely to fade. Moriarty is super fit and in tennis years he’s considerably younger.”
“Moriarty’s ready to serve. Watson gets his racket to it but it hits the net.”
“Forty - Love.
“Another good serve. Fast, solid, anyone would have found that hard to return.”
“Watson doesn’t look too surprised by that and he’s not tensing up or getting angry although he’s shaking his arm. Making sure he’s loose, relaxing some muscles, pumping himself up? Possibly all three. He knows there is still some way to go in this match.”
“Moriarty serves but it’s just wide.”
“Close, but not close enough to worry a line judge.”
“The players settle again for Moriarty’s second serve… well placed, Watson with the long forehand, snapped back by Moriarty, crosscourt forehand Watson, crosscourt backhand Moriarty, Watson down the line, racing in and an excellent volley from Watson off Moriarty’s forehand into the empty part of the court. Well-judged and well-timed.”
“Forty - Fifteen.”
“Lovely play there. Watson’s reminding Moriarty that he’s still very much in this game and not to write him off just yet.”
“Given the chance and Watson pounced on it, made Moriarty work and when he saw an opportunity he took it. He’s not going to make this easy for Moriarty”
“Moriarty to serve. Watson double handed backhand. Moriarty forehand and it’s deep, was that in?”
“It’s been called in.”
“Watson is challenging it.”
“I don’t blame him. It was certainly very deep and if he gets it overturned then it’ll be forty-thirty.”
“It’s just coming up on the screen now and you can hear the crowd groan.”
“It was deep but the line judge got it right, it’s definitely in.”
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads one game to love.”
“Watson has of course now got two challenges remaining in this set. Moriarty still has his three.”
“Watson was right to challenge. At such a key moment it was worth it.”
“Well, it’s now Watson’s turn to serve. Let’s see if he can keep up the standard he has been playing to in the last two sets.”
*
“And it’s an easy ball for Watson to put away for the point.”
“Forty - Thirty.”
“It was an important point as well.”
“Come on, John.”
“After those last two points to Moriarty it was important that Watson keep his head and his nerve. It would be so easy to choke right about now, and he can’t afford to go a break down this early in the set.”
“He can’t afford to go a break down at all.”
“That’s true and that’s another brilliant serve by Watson. Moriarty managed to get his racket to it at least but he could only get the ball into the net.”
“Game, Watson. One game all.”
“Well I think there’s the answer, Ann. After that brief scare, Watson has come out here, closed down a brilliant rally and then offered a serve to which Moriarty had no answer.”
“For the first time ever in this match they are both playing at their best and it is as tight as anything.”
“Well I’m certainly on the edge of my seat. Goodness knows what their family and loved ones are going through.”
*
He looked back up at his player’s box. They were clapping like the crowd were, Harry looking like she could do with a drink. Sherlock was calm though, his expression appearing impassive to some, his applause brief, but to him it told him everything he needed to know.
He could do this. He could win.
*
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads two games to one.”
“Moriarty is certainly throwing everything into this now.”
“He’s really taking advantage of Watson’s weak spots, making him move and stretch.”
“Some brilliant play from the American. He is, after all, still the World Number One for a reason.”
*
“Deuce.”
“That could be a very costly error by Watson and he knows it.”
“It looks like he’s starting to tire drastically. It’s been a very long, very hard tournament for him. His energy levels are probably dropping and he isn’t as young as he used to be.”
“His backhands are getting weaker. Moriarty’s noticed that and is trying to drive home that advantage.”
“Watson with the serve. Moriarty powers back, Watson forehand, Moriarty matches, Watson looping return, Moriarty with the slice, Watson runs but he can’t quite make it.”
“Advantage, Moriarty.”
“Now Moriarty’s class is starting to show through again. He’s found another gear and it looks like Watson is once again struggling to keep up.”
“Of the two of them, Watson certainly looks to be the one who is cracking. Can he hold it together now?”
“Watson wipes his forehead with his sweat band before settling down to serve. The ball’s driven back by Moriarty. Watson forehand, Moriarty slams it back, Watson on the back foot, Moriarty powerful reply, Watson get it… but it bounces just wide.”
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads three games to one.”
“That was so unfortunate. You can see what Watson was trying to do, but the ball just drifted a little longer than he was expecting and he ended up pushing it wide.”
“Well that was the break we feared. Do you think there is any chance that Watson can come back from that?”
“There is always the chance, of course there is, will he though, I don’t know.”
“He’s broken Moriarty before.”
“Yes, but this is different. The momentum is going in Moriarty’s favour. Watson is starting to look heavy and drained. He might have all the will in the world but he just might not be able to physically do it.”
“Well, let’s hope for the sake of British hearts everywhere that Watson finds a way of coming back.”
*
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads four games to one.”
He hurt. He was hurting all over now. He felt heavy and slow and that was taking its toll on his game.
Shit. Come on body, why did it have to give out on him now? Hold it together, just for a little while longer. Find something else. Find something more. Don’t you bloody well dare give in.
Fight or flight. Fight or flight?
Fight!
Come on, Watson!
*
“Game, Watson. Moriarty leads four games to two.”
“Watson certainly isn’t going down without a fight. He had his teeth gritted for much of that set and the way he punched the air when that last ball went in, this is a man who is psyched up. Totally pumped up. He wants this. He’s in front of his home crowd, on his home turf, in his last professional match and boy does he want this. That British spirit you always talk about, well it’s right there, right now.”
*
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads five games to two.”
“Watson threw everything at that but he’s just not finding a way past Moriarty’s serve, and he knows he’s running out of time.”
*
“Game, Watson. Moriarty leads five games to three.”
Just look at the sheer naked determination on Watson’s face. He knows that was an important game. He had to hold his serve there and he did so brilliantly, no hint of that wobble that he often got early in his career. It would have been so easy to choke there, but he didn’t, but this next game is it. Moriarty’s on serve for the match, for the Championship. Watson’s out of chances now. It’s now or never.”
“We’re about to go into the ninth game of this literally breath taking match and Moriarty is getting ready to serve. Five three up, all he has to do is hold his serve and the Championship is his.”
*
“And it’s in! The ball from that outrageous shot has bounced in and look at Moriarty, he cannot believe it. He simple cannot believe it. We can’t believe it. The crowd are on their feet, Watson is on his knees, and he’s done it. Watson has broken back. He’s broken the World Number One and crawled his ways back into the game, from thirty-love down he has somehow, unbelievably, utterly remarkably, taken the game and everyone is on their feet cheering. No one can quite believe it. Look at Watson as he finally gets to his feet, grass and dirt stains across the knees of his long shorts, wiping his face with his wrists, I don’t think he can believe it either. Anyone would think he has won the match from the reaction of the crowd, but he’s certainly one step, one very vital step closer to that than he had been.”
“Settle please. Game Watson. Moriarty leads five games to four. Watson to serve.”
“There’s still a long way to go, Ann. Watson may be on serve, but he still has to hold it and that’s not going to be easy. Moriarty is so close he can practically smell the polish on that trophy. He wants it and all that’s in his way is one lowly ranked Brit.”
*
“Deuce.”
“This is horrible. The tension, I can barely keep watching.”
“Brilliant play there from Moriarty, catching Watson off balance and then driving home that forehand. Watson might have been able to do better with that backhand, but was excellent play from Moriarty.”
“The tension here is almost unbearable as we could literally be only a few points away from a winner or heading into more games neck and neck. Having broken Moriarty in the last game, Watson is now on the brink of being broken back, which would spell the end of this truly marathon match.
“Watson, his shirt sticking to him, lines up for his next serve. It’s good. Moriarty with a hard forehand, Watson’s double handed backhand, forehand return Moriarty, firm forehand Watson pushing deep, forehand Moriarty crosscourt, Watson thuds it back, Moriarty down the line… and it’s been call in.”
”Advantage, Moriarty.”
“Watson is challenging it. He’s claiming the ball was out. What do you think?”
“From this angle it’s hard to tell, but this is one very crucial point. If it was in then Moriarty has match point.”
“Well, let’s see what the computer says. Watson is standing on the court still as a statue, eyes trained on the big screen, racket pressed against his thigh. It’s coming up now… and it’s out. It’s clearly out, and listen to that crowd.”
“Challenge upheld, point overruled. Ball is now called out. Advantage Watson. Mr Watson has two challenges remaining.”
“Good call by Watson. Moriarty is saying something that suggests he isn’t too pleased, his composure for once cracking. Usually so calm and cool, this is a side of Moriarty we don’t see very often. Watson on the other hand is punching his fist at the crowd shouting what sounds like, ‘come on’, and the crowd are responding. They’re right behind him now.”
“Well, what a way of raising the tension even further. The crowd were holding their breath for that one. Meanwhile, Watson is now lining up for his next serve… it’s good. Moriarty returns, Watson crosscourt, Moriarty with the slice, Watson reads it well, Moriarty chasing, Watson in at the net with a lovely half volley and he’s done it. The ball bounces in and he holds his serve.”
”Game Watson. Five games all.
“Oh my heart, I’m not sure how much more of this I can take.”
“It’s certainly been a tension filled last hour here. I’m almost thankful we didn’t get this from the start.”
“I’m not sure any of us would have survived such a thing.”
“Now this is what you call a final. Two players neck and neck, battling it out, each one refusing to give in. Whoever wins, this is one for the history books.”
“It’s five games all in the final set of the Men’s Final here at Wimbledon. Broken in his second service game, John Watson has clawed his way back and is refusing to give in. There’s everything to play for and it’s Moriarty’s turn to serve.”
*
“… forehand Watson, Moriarty really pushing, Watson crosscourt searching, Moriarty thuds it back, Watson crosscourt again, Moriarty down the line, Watson matches but it just bounces out.”
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads six games to five. Final set.”
“Watson has to keep his nerve and his head again now. That’s the problem with serving second in a set like this, the pressure is always going to be on him.”
*
“And a brilliant smash from Watson into the empty court. Moriarty can only look on and think about what might have been.”
“Game, Watson. Six games all. Final set.”
*
“And Moriarty’s return hits the net.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“The crowd are on their feet again, cheering, shouting. That was some inspirational play by Watson. He’s still fighting. Refusing to say die. Now, can he capitalise on this? Can he give it just one last push?”
“Both players are starting to look tired.”
“That’s no surprise; it’s tiring just watching this.”
“Moriarty is bouncing the ball. He lines up for the serve, it’s good, Watson trying to pin him back, Moriarty, it clips the net, Watson’s running in and he somehow gets it back over, Moriarty forehand at the net, and somehow Watson gets his racket up and the crowd go wild because Moriarty hits the net and Watson has broken him.”
“Game, Watson.”
“The crowd are back on their feet screaming as Watson somehow takes that all important break.”
“Watson leads seven games to six. Watson to serve.”
“A brave, brave shot there by Watson, if it can even been called a shot. He kind of launched himself at it, racket up and Moriarty just didn’t know what to do with it.”
“This could be it. This could be the final game of what has turned out to be a game of truly biblical proportions.”
“We might not want to celebrate too much, Ann, Watson does still need to hold his serve and we can guarantee that Moriarty will throw everything at him.”
“Settle down please.”
“The crowd are still on their feet as Watson tries to calm himself as he collects the balls he needs to serve with.”
“Quiet please.”
“Watson’s taking deep breaths, fiddling with his shirt, pulling it away from where it is literally stuck to his skin. Moriarty is staring at him, ready to receive at the other end. He bounces the ball, once, twice… he stops, then bounces again… and his serve goes into the net.”
“Could be nerves that. This is a huge, huge game. The biggest of his career. He must be feeling each and every point that has led up to this moment. His arms will be aching, his shoulders, his back. At this point everything is hurting.”
“He bounces the second ball, three, four times, serves. Moriarty with the forehand powered back, Watson forehand pushing deep, Moriarty forehand, Watson backhand coming in, volleys the return but Moriarty gets there, goes for the lob. Watson back tracking, and a lovely smash there from Watson.”
“Fifteen - Love.”
“Kept his eye on the ball all the way. Not the easiest of shots there, especially with the history of his shoulder, but Watson was always known for having excellent execution of such shots back in the day.”
“Come on, John.”
“The crowd are cheering again. They’re desperate for him to win.”
“Watson’s keeping his head down, calmly collecting his next balls. He’s drenched in sweat, his clothes are sticking to him, his hair is flat, he’s clearly exhausted but he just needs this. He’s just three points from the biggest moment of his career.
“He takes his place to serve, bounces the ball…and the serve’s good. Moriarty pounds it back but he puts too much on it and it’s long.”
”Thirty - Love.”
“He’s so close now.”
“Moriarty doesn’t look too happy, checking the strings on his racket. He must know that after everything that has happened in this match the victory is slipping away from him.”
“Watson’s waiting to serve, he serves. Moriarty with a better forehand, Watson clips it back, Moriarty backhand slice, Watson backhand, but he puts too much on it and it spins out.”
“Thirty - Fifteen.”
“That was a nice shot there from Moriarty. A lot of spin on it kept it low over the net and bounced high making it awkward for Watson to get to grips with and return.”
“Thirty-fifteen and Watson’s still just two points away.
“Watson serves, Moriarty backhand, Watson forehand, lands short, Moriarty powers it back, Watson on the stretch, Moriarty with the forehand but it clips the net and bounces out.”
“Forty - Fifteen.”
“Just listen to that crowd roar. Just one more point. This is it. Match point. No, Championship point. Watson with two Championship points. Can he do it?”
“Well they think he can do it certainly.”
“I have to admit that my heart is pounding.”
“Your heart is pounding, just imagine what Watson’s heart is doing right now. These fifth sets aren’t about tennis, they’re about nerve and at the moment Watson is holding his.”
“Watson’s taking his time, bounces the ball… three, four, five, six… pauses, serves, but it hits the net.”
“Net. Second serve.”
“He’s keeping his head down, eyes trained on the grass. Composing himself, bounces the ball again. Pauses… and the serve’s good. Moriarty with a snappy forehand, Watson forehand back, Moriarty forehand, Watson races for the backhand, Moriarty backhand, Watson with the slice, Moriarty forehand pushing deep, Watson forehand, Moriarty and an excellent shot and piece of play there from Moriarty to take the point.”
“Forty - Thirty.”
“That was a very nicely played shot, low, fast and just too far away from Watson for him to reach.”
“Watson is bent over breathing deeply, but he still has a Championship point here. He has another chance to get the point and win this match. Can he do it? It was never going to be easy. Moriarty would never make it easy, but the chance is still right in front of him.”
“For Watson it’s important right now that he doesn’t choke. He has played this match constantly on catch up, always coming from behind. This is his first real opportunity to get out in front and grab it, grab the trophy.”
“The crowd have gone silent here, it’s as if everyone is holding their breath. Waiting. Watson is composing himself, bouncing the ball. What must be going through his mind right now? He’s settling himself… and the serve is good. Moriarty with the forehand, Watson returns, Moriarty crosscourt searching, Watson forehand deep, Moriarty returns forehand, Watson down the line, Moriarty backhand thudded back, Watson forehand, Moriarty with the slice, Watson chases it down, Moriarty… and it’s in!
“The ball bounces in and the crowd erupts as in the end it comes down to a perfectly executed, simple forehand from John Watson, and he’s done it. The crowd goes wild. Watson’s dropped his racket, his hands are covering his face as he falls to his knees. Exhausted, emotional, elated, John Watson has done it.”
“Game, set, match, John Watson. 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 8-6.”
“The man who came in with a wild card has ended his career walking away with the Wimbledon Championship trophy, the first Brit to do so since 1936 when Fred Perry took apart the German Gottfried von Cramm. Today, John Watson has defeated the World Number One, the man who has already played and beaten so many high ranked players to get this far. Jim Moriarty can only look on in disbelief. Where did it all go wrong for him? He could have had it. He should have had it. Totally in command it the first two sets but now he has to settle for second best, because today, on the day, right now, the man of the hour is on his knees, crying tears of joy. John Watson, who refused to say die, who after a truly horrendous opening couple of sets came back out here and fought back with everything he had.
“John Watson is the British Wimbledon Champion.”
*
Epilogue
10/10 - part 2
Previous part
*
“Well the roof is now on and we’ve had the signal that play can be resumed. We’re just waiting for the players, and there’s Moriarty now, still as relaxed as he has been, waving to the crowd.”
“He certainly looks confident, Ann.”
“He’s just oozing confidence. There’s a man who knows that this Championship is right within his grasp. Two sets up and dominating so much as he is, I doubt there is anyone watching this game who doesn’t think he’ll be adding Wimbledon to his growing list of titles.”
“We’re still waiting for Watson to emerge, but is there anything he can do to even push this match into a fourth set?”
“In all honesty, probably not. Before the break he was looking like the man who knew he was on the brink of defeat. His shoulders and head had dropped, each shot he made looked like he was in pain. I thought he even looked as if he was hobbling, as if there was something wrong with his right thigh. Even if he comes out here with a new lease of life he might find that it’s just all too much.”
“He’s certainly in a hole now. He would really need to come out and smash through Moriarty’s game, but I honestly think he’s not a good enough player to do that. Djovokic couldn’t do it, Holmes couldn’t quite manage it, both of them are fantastic players. I really can’t see Watson doing more than putting on a token defence.”
“Well Watson has finally emerged from the tunnel, his expression is certainly grim.”
“It certainly is. Looks like determination….”
“Or pain.”
“Or pain, but at least he’s back to finish what he started.”
“It looks like Moriarty is saying a few words to him. What do you think that’s all about?”
“Could be anything, Ann, but Watson’s now smiling so it can’t have been too bad.”
“Maybe thanking him for actually coming back out, because I would be surprised if that thought hadn’t crossed Watson’s mind with the injuries he’s carrying.”
“Well, we’re about to get underway here. Outside it’s still raining but we’re dry under the roof of Centre Court and the match is once more about to resume.”
*
John, you need to go out there and do what I know you can do. But don’t do it for me, don’t do it for the crowd and the fans, do it for you. Win for you.
Sherlock’s last words echoed through his mind as he made his way back onto the court. He had never played here with the roof on of course, and somehow it felt different. It felt smaller, closer, more intimate somehow. He knew that the same number of people were still watching, there were still fifteen thousand people sat in the Court, but that didn’t matter. Of course that didn’t matter because now the one person who mattered to him was watching, Sherlock Bloody Holmes, who wanted him, had feelings for him, but more than that believed in him was watching and honestly believed that he could win. No one had believed in him for a long time, not even himself.
Do it for you.
He could fight for this. He had to prove that, to Sherlock, to the crowd, but more than that, to himself. Go out there and find out who you really are, Watson. This is the Wimbledon final. You fought to get this far, don’t you dare throw it away without a bloody battle. You can do this. Wipe that smug, arrogant smile off his face once and for all.
He gritted his teeth together just to stop himself from smiling too much. That would be inappropriate and unprofessional, but the thought of smacking Moriarty round the face again would be so very, very brilliant.
“I was starting to think you wouldn’t dare show your face,” Moriarty said to him as he passed the other player’s chair.
“Well,” he said, “let’s just say a certain Frenchman came to give me the kiss of life,” and a knock upside the head of course, and then he smiled because it was impossible not to.
“Ladies and Gentlemen, as play resumes, Moriarty leads two sets to love, one game to love, fifteen to love. Moriarty to serve, second serve.”
There was an awful lot of love there and although it might be that in tennis love means you lose, at the same time, in order to win a tennis match you first had to start with love. He gave a wry smile and made a note to tell that one to Sherlock later.
*
“And as play resumes, Moriarty is collecting the balls to start on serve. It’s his second serve remember, as his first one right before the break went into the net… and this one has done the same thing.”
“Fifteen all.”
“It can be hard coming back in the middle of a game, even worse on your second serve like that as your momentum has gone and it can take a couple of balls in order to build it up again.”
“Moriarty is collecting his next set of balls and is now ready to serve again… it’s good. Watson powers it back and Moriarty can do nothing with it.”
“Fifteen - Thirty.”
“Watson had his number on that one. Well taken, very well played, just far enough out of Moriarty’s reach to make it hard for the other player. I don’t think we’ve seen Watson strike such a good ball so far in this match.”
“That was a good ball, like John said, but Moriarty’s serve also wasn’t the best. The question is, can Watson follow that up?”
“Moriarty serves down the line. Watson returns, crosscourt Moriarty, back hand chip return but it’s just wide from Watson.”
“Thirty all.”
“Good play by Watson, a little unlucky there, but it’s clear he has some sort of game plan now.”
“It doesn’t look as if he’s just waiting for Moriarty to bash him around the court any more. He’s being proactive, coming to the ball, trying something new.”
“Good serve from Moriarty. Watson returns, Moriarty forehand, Watson pushes it back deep, Moriarty down the line, Watson crosscourt, Moriarty, but it bounces just wide and it’s as if he can’t quite believe it.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“Again good play by Watson, but Moriarty really should have done something better with that and he knows it.”
“Thirty-forty, could this be a turning point in the game?”
“If Watson gets the next point then it could well be, Ann. You can hear it in the crowd, there’s a sort of buzz going on out there, as if no one dares say anything just in case.”
“Moriarty lines up for the serve, but it’s long. Another unusual serve from Moriarty there, he’s usually so precise, but so far this game his play has been riddled with errors. He serves again, Watson with the backhand, forehand Moriarty, Watson forehand, forehand Moriarty, Watson with the slice, it bounces high and Moriarty hits the net.”
“Game, Watson.”
“Would you believe that?”
“One game all. Watson to serve.”
“Against the odds, Watson has managed to break back and Moriarty looks decidedly unhappy about it.”
“Moriarty looks furious. He’s usually so calm and collected, but look at him.”
“He’s got to reign that temper in, use it somehow or he’s going to find himself in trouble.”
“If he channels it then Watson could find himself with a lot of problems, but if not, then we could be about to see a whole new match appearing.”
“Watson to serve… and it’s an ace.”
“Fifteen - Love.”
“That looked like Watson’s fastest serve this match. He threw everything into it and it looks like it’s paying off.”
“Moriarty barely had time to react to it.”
“Watson lines up again, serves, Moriarty returns, Watson thuds it back deep, Moriarty forehand to Watson’s forehand, Moriarty backhand, Watson’s stretching and an absolutely fabulous return from Watson, stretching on the run, twisting to get it, and it bounces past Moriarty for the point and the American can only look at it in surprise.”
“Thirty - Love.”
“Now that was impressive from Watson. He would have barely seen that ball, would have been reacting on instinct and what a return he managed.”
“The crowd certainly think so. It’s as if they’ve woken up and suddenly they’re back on Watson’s side, cheering him on.”
“Quiet please.”
“Whatever happened during the break, Watson’s come out here a whole new player. Whatever he found in this competition to get this far, he’s found it again.”
“Watson bounces the ball, serves, Moriarty backhand, Watson forehand deep, Moriarty crosscourt, Watson returns, Moriarty forehand, Watson with the slice, it clips the net but the force sends it over and Moriarty at the back of the court had no way of getting that.”
“Forty - Love.”
“Lucky ball that, but in a game like tennis you make your own luck, and so far Watson has come back out here like a new player and he’s the one controlling the game, asking the questions. For the first time ever, Moriarty is the one on the back foot.”
“Watson serves, but it’s wide.”
“If Watson can hold this together, then we might just have a final on our hands.”
“Watson serves again, good, Moriarty pushing wide, Watson thuds it back but it’s just long.”
“Forty - Fifteen.”
“Watson’s smiling, he knows he should have done better, but he’s not beating himself up about it.”
“He’s still got a little room for error in this game, although not much. He can’t afford to let Moriarty back in.”
“Watson’s bouncing the ball, now he serves, Moriarty returns but Watson’s at the net with an excellent volley that wrong foots Moriarty and he puts it away for the game.”
“Game, Watson. Watson leads two games to one.”
“Well, who would have thought just forty minutes ago that there was even a chance that Watson would be able to come back in this match?”
“Just listen to that crowd.”
“Look, over there, is that….”
“That’s Sherlock Holmes.”
“That’s definitely Holmes.”
“And he’s going to sit in Watson’s player’s box.”
“Well that’s interesting. There’s been some speculation that Watson’s extraordinary form is at least partly down to his new unlikely friendship with Holmes. Maybe his appearance here has helped sparked Watson back into life. If there was anyone here who knows what Moriarty is like to play on the big scene then Holmes would be it.”
“Tennis is so much a sport where the result is down to confidence as much as anything else. Watson said so in his pre-match interview. Maybe Holmes’ support has managed to inject some of that confidence back into him.”
“Well it’s now Moriarty’s turn to serve. Let’s see if Watson can keep it up.”
*
Come on, Watson, you can do it. See, Sherlock was right, Moriarty definitely doesn’t like his plans being challenged. Look at him, you’ve got him on the back foot. Listen to the crowd, they think you can do it. But stay calm. One point at a time.
Come on!
*
“And a truly brilliant forehand crosscourt slice from Watson, inch perfect to take that all important point.”
“Fifteen - Forty.”
“Two break points for Watson here.”
“He’s been inspired this game. He actually has the confidence to play that last shot, which isn’t the easiest, and it’s paying off, he’s getting the points again.”
“Moriarty bouncing the ball, but his serve is long.”
“Moriarty looks like he’s in trouble here. His serve has been all over the place.”
“Watson has definitely shaken him.”
“Second serve… and it’s long as well. Double fault from Moriarty, his second in the match and only his fifth in this entire competition.”
“Game, Watson. Watson leads three games to one.”
“Such a key point and you can see just how happy Watson is. He’s got that all important break now. This match has certainly got interesting.”
*
“And he’s done it.”
“Game and set, Watson. Six games to three. Moriarty leads two sets to one.”
“Look at Watson punching the air. ‘Come on,’ he’s shouting.”
“Come on indeed. What a fight back Watson is having. He’s battling for every point. What a turnaround from the first two sets when Moriarty controlled everything.”
“The momentum is certainly going Watson’s way.”
“Come on, John.”
“Listen to the crowd. They’ve dropped the ‘Come on, Tim,’ now, they’re right behind him.”
*
“Game, Watson. Two games all.”
“Moriarty is certainly back in this match, but he’s still not looking like he did at the beginning. All the easy confidence has been stripped away. He knows he now has a battle on his hands.”
*
“Game, Watson. Four games all.”
“Watson had to fight for that one as Moriarty threw everything at him, but he’s still standing.”
“He’s getting battered but he’s standing and managing to hold his serve and at the moment that’s the main thing.”
“Moriarty doesn’t look too happy.”
“He’s got to be kicking himself, Ann. That was by far his best chance this set and he really should have buried that ball at fifteen-thirty, but he let Watson off the hook and he’s paid the price.”
*
“Moriarty serves, Watson whips it back, Moriarty down the line, Watson at a stretch, Moriarty crosscourt, but Watson read it well, chased back across, Moriarty smash, Watson with the dive and somehow that got over the net, bounces in and Watson gets the point.”
“Thirty - Fifteen.”
“Brilliant never say die play there by Watson. On the back foot all the time, but somehow he managed to scoop out the winner, even if he did end up on the grass, and now you’ve got to be wondering just what is going through Moriarty’s head. Half a match ago Watson was dead and buried, now he’s the one wielding the axe.”
“Watson has picked himself up and his shaking out his shoulders. Let’s hope he didn’t aggravate his injury with those acrobatics.”
“He seems to be alright and is now lining up to receive the next serve.”
“Moriarty serves, comes in for the volley and oww, that has got to have hurt. Watson’s full speed, double hand backhand just smashed right into Moriarty just above net height and the American is down clutching his stomach.”
“Thirty - All.”
“That was unfortunate. With the speed of that serve, Watson would have been lucky to have time to get his shot in, let alone to aim it.”
“Watson is now at the net. Looks like he’s checking to see if Moriarty is alright. Oh, now he’s offering to help him up and saying something while patting him on the back.”
“Don’t often see behaviour like that, Ann. They may be rivals, this may be a Grand Slam final, but some good sportsman like attitude is still there.”
*
He wouldn’t exactly say that he had planned that shot, but when he saw the opportunity present itself he took it, with all his might. Seeing Moriarty go down clutching his stomach was one of the most satisfying moments of his career, and not one he wanted to see let pass.
“You know,” he said conversationally as he offered the other man a hand up, “win or lose, it’s me he’ll be kissing better tonight. Smile for the cameras.”
Okay, perhaps not particularly sportsman like behaviour, but Moriarty had already proved in the past that he didn’t play fair. Sometimes you just had to fight fire with fire. And people claimed he didn’t have the killer instinct.
*
“Moriarty is up and waiting to serve again. He bounces the ball, serves, Watson with the forehand, Moriarty forehand but he over hits it and it goes long.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“It’s break point to Watson.”
“That first serve from Moriarty seemed slow. Do we have a speed for it?
“The computer says ninety-one miles an hour.”
“Ouch, that is slow. Do you think that strike to the stomach has affected him?”
“Could well have done. Moriarty to serve, Watson backhand and he’s done it, he’s broken Moriarty.”
“Game, Watson.”
“Fantastic strike from Watson there. Two handed, low, fast and right on the line.”
“Challenge by Moriarty. Ball was called good.”
“Moriarty’s challenging it.”
“That’s perhaps a little optimistic of him, but it was a very deep shot. I didn’t see any chalk fly up, but we’re not at the best angle. I certainly thought it was in.”
“Watson doesn’t look surprised by the challenge.”
“It’s coming up on the screen now and… ooh, that was close, but that was definitely in.”
“Excellent call from the line judge there. Spot on.”
“Ball was good. Moriarty has one challenge remaining. Game Watson. Watson leads five games to four. Watson to serve.”
*
“And it’s an ace. Watson thunders the ball down the centre of the court to take what could be the most important point of his career.”
“Game and set, Watson. Six games to four. Two sets all. Fifth and final set.”
“The crowd are on their feet and Watson is punching the air. What a complete turnaround. The Wimbledon final and we’re about to go into a fifth and final set. What a comeback from John Watson.”
“Unbelievable. Just listen to that roar. The crowd knows that he can do it. He’s fought back and he’s refusing to be beaten. It’s the stuff of movies.”
“As the players take a well-earned break, let’s go across to Ruth who is still out on Watson Watch on the Hill. Ruth.”
“Yes, I’m still here, Ann, a little damp but this match is more than making up for that. It’s stopped raining now and the downpour did see off some of the people, but for those who stayed, well, what a match. You should have heard the roar here when that last shot went in. Arms, flags, umbrellas, everything went up in the air. If Watson can do it, if he can win, then the party will be here.”
“Thanks, Ruth. If you’re just joining us expecting “Songs of Praise”, then that’s been rescheduled, but stay with us because in just a few minutes we’ll be entering into the fifth and final set of a truly rollercoaster of a final. Two sets all between the American Jim Moriarty, and of course our British hopeful, John Watson. Stick the kettle on, grab a drink, but come back quickly because I guarantee you won’t want to miss this.”
*
“So, what a match so far.”
“You can say that again, Ann.”
“Have we had another final like this?”
“Well, Federer verses Nadal two years ago was quite the tussle, but not quite like this. I can’t think of anything like this.”
“This match has so far been incredibly mismatched. Moriarty in the first two sets, it was as if there was nothing Watson could do to break down Moriarty’s game. Then Watson in those last two sets, it’s as if Moriarty was so surprised by Watson’s come back that he forgot that he still needed to play.”
“Oh absolutely, Tim, it was as if Moriarty thought he had already won, and maybe if it hadn’t been for the weather, he would have done, but you have to hand it to Watson, he looked completely dead and buried, listless, dejected, his head was down, his shots tired, but he’s dug in and he’s found something. He’s faster, sharper, he seems more confident in his own strokes and he’s proved that he is still a brilliant player. The skill, the shots, he still has it. That flick he did on the run, that was incredible. The confidence, the precision, why he hasn’t been playing like that for years, well, maybe only he can tell us.”
“He has been playing incredibly well in the last two sets but can he keep it up? One set to go, what do you think is going to happen?”
“Oh anything, Ann. This match has so far defied prediction.”
“John?”
“Well, if I were Moriarty I would be taking this time to refocus and regroup. He came out here after the rain break thinking he had it in the bag and then Watson came out and tipped up the bag and hit him over the head with it. Now he knows that Watson isn’t just going to let him take it he needs to come up with a new game plan and I think he’s going to come out here like he did against Holmes, against Djokovic, with the respect he had for those players and he’s going to try and prove why he’s the new World Number One.”
“And what about Watson?”
“I think Watson needs to be careful. He can’t afford to get carried away. Yes, he’s had two frankly brilliant sets but Moriarty isn’t finished yet. Watson may find that he needs to dig deep, very deep again and not make any early errors. He can’t afford to let Moriarty get into some sort of rhythm, because once he gets going he’s hard to stop.”
“So there we have it. The players are once again emerging from the tunnel and taking their seats. Both of them are wearing expressions of grim determination. Both have everything to play for. This is the fifth and deciding set, Moriarty verses Watson, which one will walk away with that trophy? Well, we’ll have to wait and see.”
*
Okay, he’s going to come at you hard and fast. This is Jim Moriarty, if he can find a way to play dirty he will. Remember what Sherlock has just told you. Keep loose. Don’t think about all the places where it hurts. Trust your instincts. Play simple. Get the basics right. Chase everything. And it is not over until it is over.
He twisted to look back at his player’s box. Sherlock was there. He was still there and win or lose he would still be there.
You have to fight this for you, he reminded himself. All those years, all that practice, all those games, this is it. It’s time to find out what you are really made of, John Watson. Only you can win this.
Only you.
“Time.”
He got up from his seat.
Only you.
*
“And it’s Moriarty to serve first. He’s collected his balls, testing them, knocking away the third one. Now he’s ready, he’s bouncing the ball, taking his time and… lovely ace there from Moriarty.”
“Fifteen - Love.
“Moriarty looking like he’s come out here and started like he means to go on.”
“Absolutely. That’s the Moriarty serve we all know. Well placed to Watson’s weaker side. Fast, direct, practically on the line, like a bullet. Watson stood no chance.”
“Moriarty is getting ready for his next serve… and it’s good. Watson forehand driving deep, Moriarty forehand whipped back, Watson down the line, Moriarty read it well, Watson scrambles, Moriarty with the backhand to take the point.”
“Thirty - Love.
“Good play from both of them but Moriarty was always the one in control there. He seems to have recovered his composure and his form.”
“Excellent game play there from Moriarty. He seems to want to make Watson run. Considering Watson’s age and how long this match has gone on for that’s a good tactic. Out of the two players, Watson’s the one more likely to fade. Moriarty is super fit and in tennis years he’s considerably younger.”
“Moriarty’s ready to serve. Watson gets his racket to it but it hits the net.”
“Forty - Love.
“Another good serve. Fast, solid, anyone would have found that hard to return.”
“Watson doesn’t look too surprised by that and he’s not tensing up or getting angry although he’s shaking his arm. Making sure he’s loose, relaxing some muscles, pumping himself up? Possibly all three. He knows there is still some way to go in this match.”
“Moriarty serves but it’s just wide.”
“Close, but not close enough to worry a line judge.”
“The players settle again for Moriarty’s second serve… well placed, Watson with the long forehand, snapped back by Moriarty, crosscourt forehand Watson, crosscourt backhand Moriarty, Watson down the line, racing in and an excellent volley from Watson off Moriarty’s forehand into the empty part of the court. Well-judged and well-timed.”
“Forty - Fifteen.”
“Lovely play there. Watson’s reminding Moriarty that he’s still very much in this game and not to write him off just yet.”
“Given the chance and Watson pounced on it, made Moriarty work and when he saw an opportunity he took it. He’s not going to make this easy for Moriarty”
“Moriarty to serve. Watson double handed backhand. Moriarty forehand and it’s deep, was that in?”
“It’s been called in.”
“Watson is challenging it.”
“I don’t blame him. It was certainly very deep and if he gets it overturned then it’ll be forty-thirty.”
“It’s just coming up on the screen now and you can hear the crowd groan.”
“It was deep but the line judge got it right, it’s definitely in.”
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads one game to love.”
“Watson has of course now got two challenges remaining in this set. Moriarty still has his three.”
“Watson was right to challenge. At such a key moment it was worth it.”
“Well, it’s now Watson’s turn to serve. Let’s see if he can keep up the standard he has been playing to in the last two sets.”
*
“And it’s an easy ball for Watson to put away for the point.”
“Forty - Thirty.”
“It was an important point as well.”
“Come on, John.”
“After those last two points to Moriarty it was important that Watson keep his head and his nerve. It would be so easy to choke right about now, and he can’t afford to go a break down this early in the set.”
“He can’t afford to go a break down at all.”
“That’s true and that’s another brilliant serve by Watson. Moriarty managed to get his racket to it at least but he could only get the ball into the net.”
“Game, Watson. One game all.”
“Well I think there’s the answer, Ann. After that brief scare, Watson has come out here, closed down a brilliant rally and then offered a serve to which Moriarty had no answer.”
“For the first time ever in this match they are both playing at their best and it is as tight as anything.”
“Well I’m certainly on the edge of my seat. Goodness knows what their family and loved ones are going through.”
*
He looked back up at his player’s box. They were clapping like the crowd were, Harry looking like she could do with a drink. Sherlock was calm though, his expression appearing impassive to some, his applause brief, but to him it told him everything he needed to know.
He could do this. He could win.
*
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads two games to one.”
“Moriarty is certainly throwing everything into this now.”
“He’s really taking advantage of Watson’s weak spots, making him move and stretch.”
“Some brilliant play from the American. He is, after all, still the World Number One for a reason.”
*
“Deuce.”
“That could be a very costly error by Watson and he knows it.”
“It looks like he’s starting to tire drastically. It’s been a very long, very hard tournament for him. His energy levels are probably dropping and he isn’t as young as he used to be.”
“His backhands are getting weaker. Moriarty’s noticed that and is trying to drive home that advantage.”
“Watson with the serve. Moriarty powers back, Watson forehand, Moriarty matches, Watson looping return, Moriarty with the slice, Watson runs but he can’t quite make it.”
“Advantage, Moriarty.”
“Now Moriarty’s class is starting to show through again. He’s found another gear and it looks like Watson is once again struggling to keep up.”
“Of the two of them, Watson certainly looks to be the one who is cracking. Can he hold it together now?”
“Watson wipes his forehead with his sweat band before settling down to serve. The ball’s driven back by Moriarty. Watson forehand, Moriarty slams it back, Watson on the back foot, Moriarty powerful reply, Watson get it… but it bounces just wide.”
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads three games to one.”
“That was so unfortunate. You can see what Watson was trying to do, but the ball just drifted a little longer than he was expecting and he ended up pushing it wide.”
“Well that was the break we feared. Do you think there is any chance that Watson can come back from that?”
“There is always the chance, of course there is, will he though, I don’t know.”
“He’s broken Moriarty before.”
“Yes, but this is different. The momentum is going in Moriarty’s favour. Watson is starting to look heavy and drained. He might have all the will in the world but he just might not be able to physically do it.”
“Well, let’s hope for the sake of British hearts everywhere that Watson finds a way of coming back.”
*
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads four games to one.”
He hurt. He was hurting all over now. He felt heavy and slow and that was taking its toll on his game.
Shit. Come on body, why did it have to give out on him now? Hold it together, just for a little while longer. Find something else. Find something more. Don’t you bloody well dare give in.
Fight or flight. Fight or flight?
Fight!
Come on, Watson!
*
“Game, Watson. Moriarty leads four games to two.”
“Watson certainly isn’t going down without a fight. He had his teeth gritted for much of that set and the way he punched the air when that last ball went in, this is a man who is psyched up. Totally pumped up. He wants this. He’s in front of his home crowd, on his home turf, in his last professional match and boy does he want this. That British spirit you always talk about, well it’s right there, right now.”
*
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads five games to two.”
“Watson threw everything at that but he’s just not finding a way past Moriarty’s serve, and he knows he’s running out of time.”
*
“Game, Watson. Moriarty leads five games to three.”
Just look at the sheer naked determination on Watson’s face. He knows that was an important game. He had to hold his serve there and he did so brilliantly, no hint of that wobble that he often got early in his career. It would have been so easy to choke there, but he didn’t, but this next game is it. Moriarty’s on serve for the match, for the Championship. Watson’s out of chances now. It’s now or never.”
“We’re about to go into the ninth game of this literally breath taking match and Moriarty is getting ready to serve. Five three up, all he has to do is hold his serve and the Championship is his.”
*
“And it’s in! The ball from that outrageous shot has bounced in and look at Moriarty, he cannot believe it. He simple cannot believe it. We can’t believe it. The crowd are on their feet, Watson is on his knees, and he’s done it. Watson has broken back. He’s broken the World Number One and crawled his ways back into the game, from thirty-love down he has somehow, unbelievably, utterly remarkably, taken the game and everyone is on their feet cheering. No one can quite believe it. Look at Watson as he finally gets to his feet, grass and dirt stains across the knees of his long shorts, wiping his face with his wrists, I don’t think he can believe it either. Anyone would think he has won the match from the reaction of the crowd, but he’s certainly one step, one very vital step closer to that than he had been.”
“Settle please. Game Watson. Moriarty leads five games to four. Watson to serve.”
“There’s still a long way to go, Ann. Watson may be on serve, but he still has to hold it and that’s not going to be easy. Moriarty is so close he can practically smell the polish on that trophy. He wants it and all that’s in his way is one lowly ranked Brit.”
*
“Deuce.”
“This is horrible. The tension, I can barely keep watching.”
“Brilliant play there from Moriarty, catching Watson off balance and then driving home that forehand. Watson might have been able to do better with that backhand, but was excellent play from Moriarty.”
“The tension here is almost unbearable as we could literally be only a few points away from a winner or heading into more games neck and neck. Having broken Moriarty in the last game, Watson is now on the brink of being broken back, which would spell the end of this truly marathon match.
“Watson, his shirt sticking to him, lines up for his next serve. It’s good. Moriarty with a hard forehand, Watson’s double handed backhand, forehand return Moriarty, firm forehand Watson pushing deep, forehand Moriarty crosscourt, Watson thuds it back, Moriarty down the line… and it’s been call in.”
”Advantage, Moriarty.”
“Watson is challenging it. He’s claiming the ball was out. What do you think?”
“From this angle it’s hard to tell, but this is one very crucial point. If it was in then Moriarty has match point.”
“Well, let’s see what the computer says. Watson is standing on the court still as a statue, eyes trained on the big screen, racket pressed against his thigh. It’s coming up now… and it’s out. It’s clearly out, and listen to that crowd.”
“Challenge upheld, point overruled. Ball is now called out. Advantage Watson. Mr Watson has two challenges remaining.”
“Good call by Watson. Moriarty is saying something that suggests he isn’t too pleased, his composure for once cracking. Usually so calm and cool, this is a side of Moriarty we don’t see very often. Watson on the other hand is punching his fist at the crowd shouting what sounds like, ‘come on’, and the crowd are responding. They’re right behind him now.”
“Well, what a way of raising the tension even further. The crowd were holding their breath for that one. Meanwhile, Watson is now lining up for his next serve… it’s good. Moriarty returns, Watson crosscourt, Moriarty with the slice, Watson reads it well, Moriarty chasing, Watson in at the net with a lovely half volley and he’s done it. The ball bounces in and he holds his serve.”
”Game Watson. Five games all.
“Oh my heart, I’m not sure how much more of this I can take.”
“It’s certainly been a tension filled last hour here. I’m almost thankful we didn’t get this from the start.”
“I’m not sure any of us would have survived such a thing.”
“Now this is what you call a final. Two players neck and neck, battling it out, each one refusing to give in. Whoever wins, this is one for the history books.”
“It’s five games all in the final set of the Men’s Final here at Wimbledon. Broken in his second service game, John Watson has clawed his way back and is refusing to give in. There’s everything to play for and it’s Moriarty’s turn to serve.”
*
“… forehand Watson, Moriarty really pushing, Watson crosscourt searching, Moriarty thuds it back, Watson crosscourt again, Moriarty down the line, Watson matches but it just bounces out.”
“Game, Moriarty. Moriarty leads six games to five. Final set.”
“Watson has to keep his nerve and his head again now. That’s the problem with serving second in a set like this, the pressure is always going to be on him.”
*
“And a brilliant smash from Watson into the empty court. Moriarty can only look on and think about what might have been.”
“Game, Watson. Six games all. Final set.”
*
“And Moriarty’s return hits the net.”
“Thirty - Forty.”
“The crowd are on their feet again, cheering, shouting. That was some inspirational play by Watson. He’s still fighting. Refusing to say die. Now, can he capitalise on this? Can he give it just one last push?”
“Both players are starting to look tired.”
“That’s no surprise; it’s tiring just watching this.”
“Moriarty is bouncing the ball. He lines up for the serve, it’s good, Watson trying to pin him back, Moriarty, it clips the net, Watson’s running in and he somehow gets it back over, Moriarty forehand at the net, and somehow Watson gets his racket up and the crowd go wild because Moriarty hits the net and Watson has broken him.”
“Game, Watson.”
“The crowd are back on their feet screaming as Watson somehow takes that all important break.”
“Watson leads seven games to six. Watson to serve.”
“A brave, brave shot there by Watson, if it can even been called a shot. He kind of launched himself at it, racket up and Moriarty just didn’t know what to do with it.”
“This could be it. This could be the final game of what has turned out to be a game of truly biblical proportions.”
“We might not want to celebrate too much, Ann, Watson does still need to hold his serve and we can guarantee that Moriarty will throw everything at him.”
“Settle down please.”
“The crowd are still on their feet as Watson tries to calm himself as he collects the balls he needs to serve with.”
“Quiet please.”
“Watson’s taking deep breaths, fiddling with his shirt, pulling it away from where it is literally stuck to his skin. Moriarty is staring at him, ready to receive at the other end. He bounces the ball, once, twice… he stops, then bounces again… and his serve goes into the net.”
“Could be nerves that. This is a huge, huge game. The biggest of his career. He must be feeling each and every point that has led up to this moment. His arms will be aching, his shoulders, his back. At this point everything is hurting.”
“He bounces the second ball, three, four times, serves. Moriarty with the forehand powered back, Watson forehand pushing deep, Moriarty forehand, Watson backhand coming in, volleys the return but Moriarty gets there, goes for the lob. Watson back tracking, and a lovely smash there from Watson.”
“Fifteen - Love.”
“Kept his eye on the ball all the way. Not the easiest of shots there, especially with the history of his shoulder, but Watson was always known for having excellent execution of such shots back in the day.”
“Come on, John.”
“The crowd are cheering again. They’re desperate for him to win.”
“Watson’s keeping his head down, calmly collecting his next balls. He’s drenched in sweat, his clothes are sticking to him, his hair is flat, he’s clearly exhausted but he just needs this. He’s just three points from the biggest moment of his career.
“He takes his place to serve, bounces the ball…and the serve’s good. Moriarty pounds it back but he puts too much on it and it’s long.”
”Thirty - Love.”
“He’s so close now.”
“Moriarty doesn’t look too happy, checking the strings on his racket. He must know that after everything that has happened in this match the victory is slipping away from him.”
“Watson’s waiting to serve, he serves. Moriarty with a better forehand, Watson clips it back, Moriarty backhand slice, Watson backhand, but he puts too much on it and it spins out.”
“Thirty - Fifteen.”
“That was a nice shot there from Moriarty. A lot of spin on it kept it low over the net and bounced high making it awkward for Watson to get to grips with and return.”
“Thirty-fifteen and Watson’s still just two points away.
“Watson serves, Moriarty backhand, Watson forehand, lands short, Moriarty powers it back, Watson on the stretch, Moriarty with the forehand but it clips the net and bounces out.”
“Forty - Fifteen.”
“Just listen to that crowd roar. Just one more point. This is it. Match point. No, Championship point. Watson with two Championship points. Can he do it?”
“Well they think he can do it certainly.”
“I have to admit that my heart is pounding.”
“Your heart is pounding, just imagine what Watson’s heart is doing right now. These fifth sets aren’t about tennis, they’re about nerve and at the moment Watson is holding his.”
“Watson’s taking his time, bounces the ball… three, four, five, six… pauses, serves, but it hits the net.”
“Net. Second serve.”
“He’s keeping his head down, eyes trained on the grass. Composing himself, bounces the ball again. Pauses… and the serve’s good. Moriarty with a snappy forehand, Watson forehand back, Moriarty forehand, Watson races for the backhand, Moriarty backhand, Watson with the slice, Moriarty forehand pushing deep, Watson forehand, Moriarty and an excellent shot and piece of play there from Moriarty to take the point.”
“Forty - Thirty.”
“That was a very nicely played shot, low, fast and just too far away from Watson for him to reach.”
“Watson is bent over breathing deeply, but he still has a Championship point here. He has another chance to get the point and win this match. Can he do it? It was never going to be easy. Moriarty would never make it easy, but the chance is still right in front of him.”
“For Watson it’s important right now that he doesn’t choke. He has played this match constantly on catch up, always coming from behind. This is his first real opportunity to get out in front and grab it, grab the trophy.”
“The crowd have gone silent here, it’s as if everyone is holding their breath. Waiting. Watson is composing himself, bouncing the ball. What must be going through his mind right now? He’s settling himself… and the serve is good. Moriarty with the forehand, Watson returns, Moriarty crosscourt searching, Watson forehand deep, Moriarty returns forehand, Watson down the line, Moriarty backhand thudded back, Watson forehand, Moriarty with the slice, Watson chases it down, Moriarty… and it’s in!
“The ball bounces in and the crowd erupts as in the end it comes down to a perfectly executed, simple forehand from John Watson, and he’s done it. The crowd goes wild. Watson’s dropped his racket, his hands are covering his face as he falls to his knees. Exhausted, emotional, elated, John Watson has done it.”
“Game, set, match, John Watson. 3-6, 2-6, 6-3, 6-4, 8-6.”
“The man who came in with a wild card has ended his career walking away with the Wimbledon Championship trophy, the first Brit to do so since 1936 when Fred Perry took apart the German Gottfried von Cramm. Today, John Watson has defeated the World Number One, the man who has already played and beaten so many high ranked players to get this far. Jim Moriarty can only look on in disbelief. Where did it all go wrong for him? He could have had it. He should have had it. Totally in command it the first two sets but now he has to settle for second best, because today, on the day, right now, the man of the hour is on his knees, crying tears of joy. John Watson, who refused to say die, who after a truly horrendous opening couple of sets came back out here and fought back with everything he had.
“John Watson is the British Wimbledon Champion.”
*
Epilogue