Venus won the first set and I was getting tired, she was playing very well, as always. Despite this, I remained optimistic and determined, looking up at Alice every now and then to calm down and focus my mind. Every time I glanced at her she was looking at me intensely, a huge smile on her face.

I managed to fight back and I won the second set, only just. Both of us fought hard and we often ended up in a pattern, one of us winning one point and the other winning the next. The third set was very much in like this and we soon reached 5-5.

My nerves returned as we neared the end. Continuing the pattern, we won a point each, both of us playing fiercely and every time I thought I had set up a difficult shot for Venus she managed, somehow, to return it. There were many shots that were incredibly hard to reach but I used all my strength and managed to reach most of them.

As time passed I noticed that Venus seemed to be getting tired and she missing some of the difficult shots I fired at her. I used this to my advantage and managed to win the next set, making it 6-5. All I needed to do now was win the next set and I would win. This realization boosted my energy and I pushed my tiredness to the back of my mind.

I won the first two games before Venus once again made it hard and regained two games. I was determined not to let her win and I fought until I had the lead I needed, making it 5-3 and match point.

The crowd fell silent as I prepared myself to serve. Once again I turned my head and searched out my girlfriend in the stand. I found her, the only one standing and her hands clasped together, still smiling widely at me. Our eyes met and for a moment all I could think of was how beautiful she is and I got lost in her deep brown eyes. I then remembered where I was and I sucked in my breath, turning to face my opponent. I threw the ball up above me and hit is hard, using all of my strength. It must have been my fastest ever serve and I watched it sail over the net and straight past Venus.

I stood in shock as the umpire called Ace and declared that I had won the game. I was still stood firmly in that spot as the crowd let out a deafening cheer and Venus ran over to shake my hand. I snapped out of it as she took my hand and smiled at me.

“Congratulations Dana” She knows my name. Venus Williams knows my name- and I’ve just beaten her!

My next thought was to get to Alice immediately. I ran through the gate at the side of the caught and rushed up the stairs to where she was standing. She was just about to congratulate me before I stopped her by pulling her into a firm kiss, my hands on the side of her face. We stood, lost in this kiss as people cheered around us and cameras flashed and snapped. I pulled apart, straight into a hug, holding my girlfriend as close as I could and sinking into her warm embrace. I had never felt happier as she rested her head on my shoulder.

I felt her breath against the side of my face and Alice whispered into my ear. “I’m so proud of you. I love you so much”.