“True grit” means relying on persistence, determination and strength of spirit while steadfastly pursuing your goal in the face of obstacles. We can apply the concept to goals we set for ourselves in life: playing a musical instrument, starting a business, and, of course, playing tennis. This weekend we saw true grit exemplified by our hometown darling, Alison Riske, in the Libema Open, a grass court tournament held this year at ‘s-Hertogenbosch in the Netherlands. Riske won the championship by pulling off an exciting comeback against Holland’s own Kiki Bertens.
Riske, ranked 61st, was bageled in the first set and down 4-1 in the second set, before she dug in and turned it around. Riske reportedly said, “I had faith that things would turn around at some point, I just wasn’t sure when. I thought maybe it was too late, even when I broke back to make it 4-3, but I stayed in there and I fought for every point.” Yes she did.
Bertens, ranked no. 4, came close to her third title of the season five times during the match. Let me repeat: Riske staved off five match points. Throughout their meeting, Bertens came at Riske with her impressive, powerful serve, which left Riske staring at a two sequential aces whizzing by during the second set. Riske was undaunted. Alison Riske won the second set in a tie-breaker, and took the third to claim her second career WTA title with a final score of 0-6, 7-6(3), 7-5. True grit.
Alison Riske’s impressive championship title was well-deserved. Ali is our hometown darling and a true ambassador of the sport. Every holiday season Riske trains on our local courts at the Upper St. Clair Tennis Development Program, and she graciously takes time from her workout for the junior tennis players, to hit with them, to take pictures with them, and to sign tennis balls for them. We heartily congratulate her on her impressive, nail biting win and look forward to reporting on her future WTA championship victories!
