Jannik and Casper did nothing
in the Winner's Room, of course.
Casper was in love, and was a new father, and his daughter was with him in Rome.
They sat, and talked. Not about tennis, and then about tennis, and then:
"He's not playing grass either. Carlos."
Jannik looked at Casper. "How do you know?" he asked, flat.
"He texted me I did well today. After my loss. Then when I said we are all missing him, can't wait for grass season, he --"
Casper sighed. There was a sadness in the tour, without Carlos.
"He said he will not be there either. He'll announce soon."
Jannik's first thought was: No.
His second thought was: Why didn't he tell me?
And his third thought was: How could he?
How could he leave Jannik like this. Cold and alone in every winner's room, without the ache of loss, the fear of being unseated.
How could he not be there for Jannik to beat?
