“Call it an attempted murder charge, but I got the message loud and clear,” I said. “But next time, yell at me instead.”
Her lips twitched, the faintest hint of amusement breaking through her stormy mood. It wasn’t much, but it was a start.
“There’s still the Canadian Open ahead,” I reminded her.
“Yeah, can’t wait to see how that goes.” Chloe rolled her eyes, shoulders lowering. “It’s just going to be the same thing over and over. It’s how it’s always been.”
“No. It doesn’t have to be like that,” I said. “We’ve been working together for a few weeks now, but I think we really need to focus on your frustration on court. Calvin made it clear that if I don’t start being team Chloe, then the deal is off.”
Chloe looked at me, her expression unreadable as she said, “I wouldn’t let that happen.”
“But it’s true. It’s why I’m here,” I said, before joking, “Otherwise, I’d probably be doing viral dances for a supplement brand.”
Chloe let out a single laugh. “SmartServe Gummies? They tried to poach you too?”
“The point is, I want to help you.” We’d been practicing together in a hitting partner capacity, but maybe it was time to focus onwhythey’d chosen me. “In Toronto, let’s focus on your mental game. To help you control the match, and yourself, when things start to go wrong.”
“That sounds amazing,” she said with a weak smile, her eyes glimmering a little with new hope.
“Well then,” I said, “let’s find out what we’re really capable of.”
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@thetennisedit: Why am I always seeing @thechloemurphy and @Inésplaystennis hanging out together? I thought they hated each other.
@Baselinejunkie it started a few weeks ago! I think they were doubles partners in the Hamptons!
@ChloeMurphyFanClub Have you SEEN the friendship bracelets?
@ChloNes4Ever I’ve been shipping #ChloNes since Melbourne.
@Baselinejunkie I think they are just friends? Have you considered that?
@ChloNes4Ever GAL PALS!
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MURPHY SURGES TO CANADA OPEN SEMIS AS COSTA IMPRESSES DESPITE QUARTER-FINAL EXIT
The Canada Open saw another intense day of action as Spanish player Inés Costa fell in the quarter-finals after a three-set battle against Léna Nagy. Despite the loss, Costa’s performance has turned heads, with noticeable improvements in her game since partnering with American star Chloe Murphy.
Meanwhile, Chloe Murphy stormed through her match against Dylan Bailey, sealing her place in the semi-finals with a straight-sets win. Known for her fiery on-court behavior, Murphy seemed relaxed throughout the match, a marked improvement since the start of the season.
Fans have been speculating online about the nature of the players’ relationship, dubbing the pair ChloNes. Photos from the practice court show them working together at all hours, but is this another PR stunt from Murphy? Only time will tell.
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GAL PAL GOALS? COSTA CHEERS ON MURPHY IN TORONTO
Tennis drama took a wholesome turn at the Canadian Open as Chloe Murphy reached the final, but the real headline? Inés Costa, fresh off her own quarter-final loss, was spotted courtside loudly cheering her special gal pal on.
Murphy fought hard but fell just short in a three-set thriller against World No. 2 Liang Wei. Despite the loss, fans couldn’t help but swoon over the unexpected camaraderie between the former rivals. Costa, decked out in casual gear, was seen applauding and even shouting words of encouragement to her hitting partner throughout the match.
What’s next for these two as they head to the Cincy Open? We’re keeping a close eye on this budding girl gang, on and off the court.
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