PARIS — Kathy Rinaldi watched one of her tennis players struggle to find rhythm and control.
“I can’t win a game against anybody,” muttered Sachia Vickery, an up-and comer ranked 76th. She slumped her shoulders and shook her head in disgust.
Not a good sign, Rinaldi knew, especially so close to Vickery’s first match at the French Open. Rinaldi drew Vickery near, wrapped an arm around her shoulder and gave her some advice: Walk tall. Keep your head up.
“Just giving a little confidence boost,” she said, walking off the court to continue checking on each of the 18 American women who made it into the singles draw at Roland Garros.