December 31, 2024

Open Court

MORE TENNIS THAN YOU'LL EVER NEED

Achilles drama in Charlottesville

It appeared Latvia’s Mikelis Libietis and partner Jarryd Chaplin were on their way to winning the doubles title at the Charlottesville Challenger – until disaster struck.

On the point that gave them a 7-6, 4-1 lead over Americans Denis Kudla and Danny Thomas, Libietis’s Achilles gave way on what seemed, at first, a harmless-looking move.

His screams of agony were tough to watch

The genuine concern from the other three players, as the 25-year-old Tennessee alum lay on the court, was touching.

Libietis hit a career-best No. 174 in the doubles rankings Monday. But he’s looking at a year.

About Post Author