Nicholas and Nikolay

Nikolay is playing the best tennis of anyone over the past few months. His superb footwork and surprising power now are paired with a confidence that seemed to be strangely lacking in the past. When my son Lucas and I saw ND play at the Pilot Pen last summer, he was hitting 130 mph serves. I had no idea he had that sort of power. He also has a scowl. I learned of his scowl first hand when we were watching him on a practice court. Nikolay must not have been used to being observed by 'fans' - Lucas noted that he was looking at me with a glare as I prepared to photograph his practice. I find him fascinating - 13m in winnings and no website. He seems like a hard working, tough, smart, undersized athlete making the absolute most of his talents.