Classy Dechy could teach the kids how to lose graciously

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 14:14

After the disappointment she had to endure on court one yesterday, by the time Nathalie Dechy walked into the pressroom she had every right to feel bitter and twisted.

Instead, though, she was funny, charming and philosophical a credit to her profession, the sport of tennis and the tournament itself.

It’s why this sport is so difficult but so beautiful at the same time…

For a Frenchwoman, you might say she was very, well, British, about her 6-7, 7-6, 10-8 defeat to world No.1 Ana Ivanovic.

Twice she was a point away from beating Ivanovic, and on the second of those points the flukiest of flukey netcords saved the top seeded Serb as her forehand hit the netband, jumped vertically and then died on Dechys side of the net.

During one second I thought I won because the ball stayed on the net for just a tiny bit, the 29-year-old said afterwards. Then I didn’t see clearly if it was going on my side or on her side.

Then I saw. I was like,

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