Mr Ward does come across as such a good thing. His being part of the DC winning team - and actually having contributed a key point - is one of the lovely things that brings cheer. I hope he is very successful in helping the family - and that his mentor gets pleasure from seeing what he is doing.
I was thinking over the weekend about Mr Ward's father - and wondering whether he ever dreamed when he was driving all those extra shifts to send his son to tennis academy that someday he would be cheering him on as his team won the Davis Cup. The thought of that has also made me glad! Anyway, I wondered whether anyone had interviewed him, and Googled him ... only to discover not something about Belgium, but this rather lovely piece. Enjoy: ontherisetennis.blogspot.co.uk/2015/03/davis-cup-experience-like-no-other.html
On another note, it is a little scary to realise that I have been on this forum long enough to remember when we were discussing Morgan Phillips as a player (looks back and realises it wasn't all that long ago, actually ... )
I was lucky to get to chat to Darren earlier this year and enjoy some humourous banter. So very sad to hear of his passing, great bloke and a great coach.
Just tweeted saying:
Hi every1! I've had a lot of injury problems this year and haven't played for a while,I've decided to get treatment and rehab rest of...
The year and come back stronger next year. Ranking will drop but health is my main focus now!! Il be keeping u all updated with my progress
Let's hope he can make a come back next season! What will his ranking drop too by January?
Pity but there comes a point to bite the bullet. Whether that could have been bitten earlier James will clearly know better. All the best to him to rehab well and indeed come back strong.
Most of the rankings 'damage' is over the current two weeks:
80 challenger title points came off on Monday, dropping James from WR 256 to WR 353.
29 points come off this coming Monday, which will drop him to around WR 420.
For this year that then just leaves 8 points to come off on 14/11, leaving him overall on 90 points and about WR 440.
Just very glad. Can be a bit grim soldiering on when nothing is feeling or going well. Far better to take time off and come back. All the best to him. May he come back in strength!