Page 17 of Serve
“Yeah, I’ll be out in a second.” Tyler rubbed his neck where Chip had been kissing him, wishing they could climb back under the covers and ignore the world. The sound of Dixie racing from the kitchen to the front door brought him to his feet.
“Let’s get this over with.”
“Why am I reading online that I have a new coach- that an announcement will be made this week?” He asked as soon as Sania sat down.
“Good morning. I’m very sorry about that Tyler. It was an unintentional slip. I called my office to speak with Jerry, the agent for Martin Bernstein. I wanted to know if he had any ideas for a coach. He was with a reporter at the time, and forgot he was on speaker. I didn’t say anything beyond you were looking for a new coach ASAP. That reporter was told by both me and Jerry it was off the record. She will never get an interview again from a client of mine or his, that’s for sure.” She spoke quickly, staring directly into Tyler’s eyes. He nodded his head for her to continue.
“I did come up with a candidate, one who’s record on grass, plus the other surfaces, is superb.” She said, then looked to the door as Dixie poked her head in.
“Coffee, something to snack on? I know you haven’t had breakfast yet.” Dixie said, nodding in Tyler’s direction.
“Yes, thanks Dixie. Do you want breakfast Sania?”
She shook her head no, knowing Dixie would come back with a full spread regardless of her answer. Dixie backed out of the doorway and headed toward the kitchen.
“So, who is it? Somebody I know?” Tyler smiled, glad to get the hard part of the meeting out of the way. He hated being angry with Sania. She only wanted the best for him. Problem was, she wasn’t looking him in the eye as she spoke.
“Yes, the candidate is a former Wimbledon champion, and also won the U.S. Open.” She glanced down at her nails, choosing her words with care.
“You might be a bit surprised by my choice. Many would think it unorthodox, but I think this person will truly bring an attacking quality to your game. They’ve been a major player, so their insights will be invaluable.” She said.
Silence hung in the air between them, and Tyler grew suspicious.
“Well, who is it?” He asked, growing frustrated.
Sania finally looked him in the eye and answered. “Montserrat Hernandez, but you know her as Emm.”
Dixie chose that moment to burst into the room with a tray of coffee and pastries. She placed them on the corner of his desk, then saw the look on Tyler’s face.
“What the hell just happened? Did you quit or something?” She asked Sania. “Honey, are you all right?” She said, then went around the desk and patted Tyler on the shoulder.
“Emm? You want Emm to be my coach? Are you out of your mind?” Tyler stammered, stood up, and started pacing behind his desk. Dixie squeezed past him, grabbed a pastry and stood next to Sania.
“I knew you might have a problem with this, but hear me out.”
Tyler stopped in his tracks, sat down, and motioned for her to continue.
“She is a brilliant tactician, who won the majority of her titles on grass. She also knew enough to embrace the baseline to win tournaments on other surfaces. If you want someone to show you how to win Wimbledon, she’s your best bet. Plus, she lives nearby, in Austin. She’s ready to start anytime you are, and the terms are excellent.”
“But how is it going to look to the other players that I have a woman as a coach? Can she really teach me anything? I’m not trying to say she’s a bad player, but c’mon, she’s never played the men’s circuit. The level of the women’s game is not as high as the men’s.” Tyler poured a cup of coffee with trembling hands, then sat down.
“So, because she’s a woman, you’re saying she’s not good enough?” Dixie asked. Sania looked out the window and bit her lip.
“Dixie, for crying out loud, you know her sex has little to do with this. I need someone who knows how to beat the top male players. Plus, we’re talking about the old boys’ club, and they don’t like women in the sport. You know that as well as I do. How’s it going to look to the other players if I lose? You know they’ll blame it on Emm, even if it’s my fault. Are you sure she’d even want to be my coach knowing this?” Tyler put his face in his hands and sighed.
“I knew this was going to be your reaction. Look, Emm is in the International Tennis Hall of Fame, and won three slams. Coaches don’t come more qualified than that. You’re just nervous because she’s a woman.” Sania said. She reached for a pastry, thought better of it, and put it back. Dixie picked it back up and handed it to Sania, glaring across the desk at Tyler while doing it.
“Bless your heart, Tyler. You know, I’ve been proud of you since the first day we met. I watched you climb the rankings to number one in the world. But honestly, the words coming out of your mouth right now are the stupidest I’ve ever heard you say. I mean, at least give her a chance. Meet with her, treat her the same as if she were a man applying for the job. What do you have to lose?” Dixie said.
“I’ll tell you what I have to lose; respect. Every dude in the locker room will be laughing behind my back, and you know that’s unacceptable. Dixie, Sania, both of you know I’m not sexist. I respect and admire Emm for the amazing career she had. She’s an icon of the sport, but that doesn’t mean it would be right to hire her.” He said.
The two women stared at him in disbelief.
“Prove it.” Dixie said, and crossed her arms over her chest.
“What?” Tyler said, glaring at her.
“Prove you’re not being sexist Tyler. Hire a highly qualified woman for the job instead of giving it to yet another man.” Sania said.
