When Dana had climbed out of our bed at a ridiculous time in the morning she began pacing the room. Although I was still half asleep it was obvious that Dana was more nervous than she had ever been before.

“Dana” I slowly opened my eyes further to look at my girlfriend.

“I’m sorry baby I didn’t mean to wake you” Dana said apologetically.

“It’s ok. Don’t worry though, you’re going to be fantastic today. You’ve played so well so far don’t doubt yourself now, just be confident”. I knew that there was little I could say to calm Dana’s nerves but I could try. I reached forward to grab her hand and pulled her down onto the bed with me, into a soft and lingering kiss.

“Alice I need to go and train” Dana’s attempts to get away were not very convincing and I was reluctant to let her go.

“In a minute, just relax”. I kissed her again, this time deeper and more passionately.

After a few minutes I let Dana go and she went to go and train. I smiled to myself and fell heavily back onto the soft pillows.

Three hours later I was once again sitting in the stands, this time in centre court, which was cast in size and packed full of excited supporters. I looked around me and I could see American flags and various banners adorning Dana’s name and messages of support. It felt wonderful to see so many supporting her and it hit me again how famous she really is. I am dating Dana Fairbanks, professional tennis player and soon to be Wimbledon champion! It was unbelievable, but to me Dana was just Dana, my caring, beautiful and slightly goofy girlfriend, and my best friend of seven years.

My thoughts were interrupted by a thunderous cheer from around the court. I looked down and could see Dana emerging from the changing rooms, being stopped to sign autographs and waving nervously, looking as shy as ever. A wide grin spread across my face and I watched proudly as she prepared herself for the match.  

Dana

It felt like a dream. Here I was, on centre court in Wimbledon about to play in the final and who was I playing against? None other than Venus Williams herself. I was like a star struck and adoring fan just looking at her. I took a deep breath and tried to calm myself, taking my place on the line.