RJ Tennis Community
Fall 1999

Fall 1999 looks to be a strong year for the FUBAR/RJ Tennis team. We have a good team this year and hope to make the best of it.

MATCH RECAPS

November 28, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

A final match between the two to close out the Thanksgiving holiday.  A win for Lucas 6-1, 6-2 in a cool windy morning at Truro.   It was competitve tennis and closer than the game score shows. 

November 27, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

Another nail biter of a match.  Carvajal takes the first set 6-4, Lucas takes the second 6-3.  The third set is more of a battle than a friendly game of tennis.  It was difficult to hold serve for both players.   The set score reached 6-6 and the tie breaker started.  Carvajal was up 4-1, Lucas fired the after burners and won the tie-break 7-5.  It was an enjoyable match for both players.  This is what makes tennis so much fun.

November 25, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas   "Trilogy of Terror"

Terror three times over ... that's the horry story Carvajal has been facing in the Carvajal/Lucas tennis matchups. The haunting, screaming, blood-curling and painful saga of the past three matches has been nothing but morbid for the good comrade of Lucas. Psycho, Friday the 13th, Aliens, Frankenstein and Scream don't compare to the scene on the tennis courts. It's a nightmare that just won't end.

The first of the last three matches was a close match with Lucas winning 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. Carvajal came out on fire with rockets from all spots on the court. The second match was dismantling by Lucas, coming away with a victory 6-3, 6-4. The last of the three matches, the Turkey bowl played Thanksgiving day was as close as a match can come, with Lucas squeaking a victory 3-6, 0-6, 6-4, 6-1, 7-6 (7-5). It was all Carvajal early on. Lucas was being ripped apart. Lucas' Mom came to the court and distracted Lucas even more, until Lucas sent his Mom away at 0-5 in the 2nd set .. thus the turn around began. Lucas' game immediately turned around and managed to win the 3rd set. The 4th set was all Lucas, then the fifth was a battle.

Lucas cruised to a 5-3 lead as both players had trouble holding serve. Lucas was serving for the match, but instead of closing the match out, Carvajal broke, held, then broke again for a 6-5 lead. Lucas couldn't believe what events had just taken place and concentrated beyond the point of the moving objects with his mind to win the next game to tie at 6-6. The tie breaker was very close with Carvajal mustering a 5-3 lead. Lucas then took advantage of two double faults and a couple of winners take the tie-break 7-5 ... end of match.

The match this morning may be a turning point for Carvajal. His serve & volley game was tough to handle for Lucas. The gap between the players has shrunk considerably. It's only a matter of time before Carvajal shall feel his winning ways that he felt so long ago in the summer. Let the nightmare continue ...

November 23, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

Kenny's Version:

The November 23 Tennis Classic featured two strong competitors and arch rivals. The Lucas/Carvajal matchup has long been seen around the world as one of the greatest spectacles in sport. Yet again, the two rivals squared off against one another at the Four Seasons tennis center for an early round of winners, aces and overheads.

The match was clearly lop-sided from the get-go. Lucas jumped to a commanding 5-0 lead. There was little looking back.  Winners were coming from groundstrokes, volleys, overheads and serves. Carvajal managed to hold serve once as Lucas  dominated the first set 6-1.

The second set was again turning ugly quickly as Lucas pounced to the 5-1 lead. Carvajal served to keep the match alive as  Lucas looked to close it out. Carvajal got determined and with an amazing display of tenacity and shot making skills, he was   able to hold serve twice and break the usually dominating Lucas serve ... 5-4 Lucas. Lucas, faced with the onslaught of Carvajal absolutely had to hold serve. Lucas did not want Carvajal to reach 5-5. A long service game for Lucas amassing
around 5 deuces ensued. Lucas' tennis world is orbiting perfectly as he held serve and closed the match 6-1, 6-4.

Rob's Version:

SI: Thanks for letting us interview you here in the locker room. I know you just lost that match and it is nice of you to be here talking to us. So what happened out there?

Carvajal: No problem. uhmmm....You know, I just don't know what happened out there. I keep thinking that I have the game to beat him. But in that first set there was no way I could get those serves back. 

SI: That first set was rather precarious for you. Did you ever think that you were going to get yourself into the match?

Carvajal: I knew I had to hold serve at least one time. If I can't hold my serve, then there is no pressure on him at all. He becomes like one of those "Dragon Ball Z" monsters who just changes and grows right before your eyes. My shoulder was feeling pretty loose, so there was really no excuse there. I just have to keep the pressure on the serve and do something with it. Fortunately, I was able to hold serve to go to 1-5. I almost break him, but he held serve and closed out the first set though. Ughhh.

SI: What about the second set?

Carvajal: I am just darn right tired of losing to that guy. There is no excuse. Except for the fact that he is playing some of his best tennis ever. I know that my game can give him trouble. I know that I can beat him. I just have to stop being tentative. I was able to come up to 4-5 in the second set and had some opportunities to even it up to 5-5. He is just playing those big points better than I am.

SI: What does it look like for the future?  Because right now, no offense, Rob, it doesn't look too good for you.

Carvajal: Alright already! You think I enjoy losing to that guy? You don't have to rub it in. My hat is off to him. He has just lifted his game up to the next level and I am not there at this present moment. I am not saying that I won't ever be there.  In fact, I am working on some changes in my game. In a few weeks time I believe I will have elvevated my game up a notch. Now, I am not saying that I will beat Lucas in a few weeks.

SI: What kind of changes are you making to your game?

Caravajal: Well, I am looking for a new racquet to start with. There is just no way that my current racquet can keep up with those titan missles coming from the other side. Second, I have changed my grip on the forehand and backhand sides. Which, in time, will give me better and more secure groundstrokes.

SI: Would you like to say anything else?

Carvajal: Uhmmm....yes, I am kind of distracted mentally right now. I am seeing this new woman.  Well, kind of new anyway. My thoughts seem to be consumed with her. But no excuse though. You know how it is when you start a new relationship. Right now, I am really enjoying life. My adversary or opponent, happens to be a great friend of mine and we enjoy chillin with one another off the court as well.  I am going to be celebrating my 38th birthday shortly and I feel like I am stronger now than when I was in my 20's. I am thankful to say that life is good.

SI: One more question, please. I am sorry.

Carvajal: No problem. Go ahead.

SI: What is it about Lucas's game that has improved? Why has he been able to take the #1 spot from you?

Carvajal: Just one question? ok. First, both of us just hate to lose. Last winter he had wiped me all over the court. I was about 10 pounds heavier then and decided to do something about it. I got myself in better shape and was able to beat him this past spring and summer. He couldn't stand losing. He knew he was stronger than I was. He worked hard on his game and was tenacious. I would say that his confidence has  improved dramatically. I feels and strongly believes that he can hit any shot from anywhere on the court.  It is hard to play against a player like that.

SI: Well, Rob, good luck to you in your future matches. It will be exciting to see if you can turn your game around to beat Lucas. Again, thank you for your time.

Carvajal: You're welcome. Thank you.

Behind the scenes:
Caravajal: Are we done with this stupid interview?  Yes? Good. I hate losing to that guy. I am never going to lose to him again. I don't like being interviewed and answering questions about why I lose to that guy.........What? The tape recorder is still going? uh... you didn't get those last few words did you? Ok, good. I would hate for my good friend, Lucas, to hear or read those words. Alright.  Thanks.

November 6, 1999  Clarke vs Lucas

November 6th is a day that will live in infamy. It is the third clash of the titans between Clarke and Lucas. Clarke has held
the upper-hand for all matches to date (2), but Lucas has been practicing. It was a warm November Saturday as the two
warriors took to the court.

The first set was a juggernaut of a battle as each player refused to lose serve. Lucas seemed to have the prevailing edge as he
had easier service games. Although Clarke's service games were longer, they were just as effective as he held off Lucas time
and again. The set went to the tie-break where Clarke turned up the volume. The groundstrokes were blistering, the
footwork was stepping, it was a noteworthy exibition for Clarke who won the tie-breaker 7-2 and the set 7-6.

The second set was a different story for Lucas. Lucas was sufficiently warmed up and poised to take the set to even the
match. It was a loosely contested set as Lucas jumped out to the 5-2 lead. Clarke, who's vocabulary does not include the
word 'quit', fought back but was unable to come closer than 4-6. Lucas evens the match. One set all.

Something happened in the third set to Lucas. He disappeared. Was it the fact that Clarke had absolutely no steam left in
the engine, was it that Clarke struggled to move one foot in front of the other, was it that Clarke was gasping for air and was
unable to move side to side? It must have been all of these things. Although Lucas was feeling fresh, his mind wasn't as
Clarke was able to stand on the other side of the net and take the set 6-2, thus winning the match 7-6, 4-6, 6-2.

Lucas was stunned, needless to say. Lucas quotes, "How can I lose to someone who can't move? He was like Jabba out
there, so tired and spent. I just couldn't hit the ball in the court. Guess I was going for too much." Clarke's interview was
taped afterwards, "I don't know how I held on in the third set. I was completely out of gas, my arm hurt, I couldn't mount
anything offensive. However, Lucas didn't require me to. I think I was lucky today, maybe I won't be tomorrow."

November 1, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

A cool Fall day and the Four Season Bubble provided the scenery for the first of many epic battles between Carvajal and Lucas. The competitors took the week following Vandermeer Tennis University as a chill out time. However, the rivalry  was rekindled this morning with the a one set battle.

Picture David and Goliath, Hulk Hogan vs. Shasty McNasty, or picture the ant you just squished under your right foot. The imagery created was the same as the imagery on the court this morning as Lucas dismantled a serve-deprived Carvajal. The Carvajal serve is ailing due to a tired shoulder. Lucas was able to volley the serve, rush the net thus putting pressure on the Carvajal ground stroke, and make winners. Carvajal hit some good defensive lobs in the rallies and was able to win a few points.

It was just another set in a series of sets this fall. This one was won by Lucas 6-2. Both competitors are looking forward to the continuing matchups throughout the winter.

October 16, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

THE MOST COMPETIVE MATCH IN THE HISTORY OF THE CARVAJAL/LUCAS COMPETITION.

Here is Lucas' perspective on the match:

It was a great day for tennis.  The weather was hovering around 73 degrees, clear skies, a light north-eastern breeze.  Tennis was ripe for the taking and the two competitors were feeling great.  Carvajal had a gleen in his eye and felt energized from some personal news off the court.  Lucas was fired up and ready to add to the streak of 7 consecutive winning sets. 

The fans were not disappointed from this closely contested match up.  Carvajal broke Lucas early and opened up to a quick 3-1.   Lucas was getting warmed up and getting the feel back into his swing after a 6 day hiatus from the tennis court.  Lucas shrugged off the rust and played well to a 4-5 score.  Carvajal was mashing his first serves, as well as second serves throughout the set.  The forehand and backhand were finding the corners with pace.  Points were tough to come by as both players played to their potential.  Carvajal served for the first set at 5-4 but Lucas broke on the game that needed to be broke.  Both players then held serve and entered the tie break. 

The tie break started out a bit lop-sided as Lucas came up with several incredible shots to lead 5-1.  Lucas then realized Carvajal had some life in him as he hit shot after shot to tie the break at 5 apiece.  Digging deep, Lucas came up with the next two points for the 7-6 first set victory.

The second set was an exact start to the first as Carvajal put mountains of pressure on Lucas and had a quick jump to a similar 3-1 lead.   It was then that the Lucas' best tennis came out.  Lucas quotes, "I felt that my tennis game was going to explode at any time.  When I was down 1-3 in the 2nd, I knew it was time to kick my game into high gear.  Lucas did cruise and won the next 5 games for the 6-3 second set and match victory.

Many points were hotly contested with long rallies including multiple overheads, sharp volleys, hard and penetrating groundstrokes.   Both players slugged the match out and felt this was the best tennis either has played against one another.  Carvajal quotes, "That was great tennis match.   It was exciting and motivating. I felt I was hitting the ball well.  It was most enjoyable to be on the court today.  As always, I'm looking forward to our next tennis battle."

Here is Carvajal's perspective on the match:

Carvajal's clients have come to expect a weekly update of the Carvajal and Lucas showdowns.  With his clients making the observations and comments like, "the tide is turning towards Lucas," egging Carvajal on to secure a victory under his belt, Carvajal was fit and ready for this match.  "I had to play balls out," commented Carvajal.  "There was no way I was goinig to play safe today.  If I was going to win, I wanted to beat him handedly," he continued.  The match started off strong and in the formidable Lucas manner.   Lucas's serve was on and Carvajal knew right from the start that Lucas had brought his game with him that morning.  Stepping up to the baseline Carvajal unleashed his serves and raised his play one or two levels.  However, Lucas broke serve.   Carvajal was not detered and jumped out to a 3-1 lead.  Both guys rallied from the baseline exchanging blistering groundstrokes making each other move from side to side.   Both Carvajal and Lucas were at the top of their games bringing out the best in each other.  "I was already thinking in my mind that this will be the first time I have taken a set from Lucas in 8 attempts.  In fact, I knew I was going to win the match.  I was feeling good," Carvajal stated in hubris fashion.  The set continued and Carvajal broke Lucas and was serving for the first set 5-4 but choked.   "I had to go for my serves,"  Carvajal stated, "If I didn't keep up the pressure on him, there was no way I was going to win.  I knew that I was going to double fault sometimes, but I just had to keep playing in the same way that got me to 5-4."  Carvajal double faulted a couple of times and Lucas trounced on his serves.  Thus Lucas broke serve.  The set went to a tie-breaker and Lucas jumped out to a commanding 5-1 lead.  Somehow Carvajal tied it up at 5-5 but double faulted giving Lucas the chance to close out the set.

The second set continued with same level of play.   Both sides coming in , hitting overheads, chasining down winners, returning serves with pin point accuracy, and on and on.  "It was some of the best tennis that we have played, " Carvajal noted,  "I know the people got their money's worth today."  It is clear that Lucas has elevated his game and with this victory he regains his number one ranking.  So, when Carvajal returns to teach his clients, he will have to report a 6-7, 3-6 loss to Lucas, again.

October 10, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

The Fall's first 5 set match between Carvajal & Lucas was a one-sided, overpowering and stellar performance of tennis from Lucas. Lucas erupted from the start of the match and cruised to a 6-3, 6-2, 6-4 defeat of the befuddled Carvajal.

Lucas quotes, "I can only attribute my recent success against Carvajal to a few factors. I'm happier outside of tennis, I've been drilling and working on every aspect of my game, and I'm more confident on the court. I've had a lot of success putting pressure on the Carvajal backhand."

Carvajal's former game plan of relying on Lucas unforced errors had been very dependable in recent months. However, Lucas has decreased his unforced error count and captured the last 7 sets. Carvajal quotes, "I've got to come up with a new game plan. Perhaps rush the net, perhaps hit more to his backhand, I'm not really sure. Lucas is smacking the ball everywhere on the court right now. I definately need to elevate my game and work on my serve."

The first set was decided by a single-break. Lucas started serving and applied consistent pressure. Carvajal was playing well. The set went to Lucas 6-3. Lucas picked up his game in the second set, applying even more pressure to Carvajal. Lucas was up 5-0, at which point Carvajal was noticeably angry. Carvajal managed to break and hold serve for 5-2, but Lucas closed the set out for 6-2.  The third set was the closest and was all tied at 4-4. Lucas managed a break for 5-4 and closed the set out 6-4. Carvajal saved two match points, but not the third.

Carvajal and Lucas will continue the rivalry at the Van der Meer tennis academy in Hilton Head next Sunday. The two are traveling south to work on their game, each hoping to gain the edge to victory for the rest of the Fall/Winter season. It should be an interesting remainder of the year.

October 9, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

A drizzly slippery evening of tennis as the two slugged another one out at Little Rocky Run.  In uncharacteristic form, Lucas jumped out early in the first set and won the set 6-1.  It was a surprise to Lucas who recently hasn't had real good luck against the tennis-savvy Carvajal.  Carvajal was able to get his wits about him and make a run for the second set.  However, Lucas held strong on the slippery court to win the set 7-5.  The end of the set was played in pretty dark and slippery conditions.  It was a fun outing for both warriors.

October 6, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

Note from Rob about our match Wednesday night:  You absolutely destroyed me last night. A brilliant display of tennis on your part. You were focused and had one purpose: to smother and destroy any sign of life in Carvajal! And you did. This victory revives the rivalry. The five setter that I lost was 7-6, 1-6, 4-6, 6-1, 4-6. The next match was something like 7-5, 6-1, 6-4. The next one was 6-4, 6-1, 6-2. And then last night was 1-6, 4-6. I hope it is not a new trend! Your forehand, backhand, serves, volleys and overall game were in top form. Congratulations.

September 25, 1999  Carvajal vs Lucas

The first match of the fall proved to be a close match. With Lucas looking to consolidate his victory and reestablish his dominance over Carvajal, Lucas came out with all cylinders firing. The first set was head to head with neither side budging. However, at 5-5 Carvajal broke Lucas and held serve to close out the first set.

The second set Carvajal was in top form and Lucas was visibly exacerbated. Although Carvajal rolled over Lucas in six straight games, the play was much closer than the score would indicate. The second set goes to Carvajal 6-0.

In the third set Carvajal rolled out to a 4-0 lead and 40-15 lead to go up 5-0. It was at that point that life kicked back into Lucas. "I knew I had to close out this game. I could tell he was starting to feel that if he could just hang in there, he could get himself back into the match," Carvajal told reporters in the post match interview. Lucas did break Carvajal and ended his 12 game losing streak. Lucas evened up the third set to 6-6 and they played a tight tie-breaker. Carvajal edged Lucas out and secured the victory: 7-5, 6-0, 7-6(?).