Naked Hero - The Journey Away

Russia.
    It has been a turbulent month for Lewis Macleod in Australia, following revelations about his private life in the tabloids, and a fine of $50,000 for bringing the sport into disrepute. Speculation still abounds concerning his relationship with Lee Porter, a model and promoter from England, who has attended the last two matches. But Macleod has demonstrated to his detractors that little of this is impacting on his tennis. His first round defeat in Sydney, and the crowd disturbance which almost saw him leave Melbourne at the same stage, seem far behind him now. Much of this turnaround has been attributed to the involvement of former champion and world No. 1, Scott Taylor, who has been working with Macleod during the tournament. Taylor is in Melbourne commentating for ABC, but has made it known to them that he will not continue this role after the Open. This would leave him free to carry on alongside Jim Murdoch, Macleod’s coach since boyhood, or even replace him in the near future.
    That is speculation. But o ne change is certain to happen for Lewis Macleod. The variety of shot making which he displayed yesterday was complemented by the range of shirts he wore - all of different style, and probably of different manufacturers, but with brand names and logos covered over. Only his current sponsor out of the main brands was missing from the catwalk. Changing times indeed for Lewis Macleod: a new clothing sponsor in the waiting; possibly a new coach; a new confidence and hunger for the game; and perhaps, on Sunday evening, a new title.
    The result means that the former Wimbledon champion is now assured of re-entering the top 10 when the rankings come out on Monday, and given the points which are available to him over the next six months, especially at Wimbledon where he was a first round loser last year, he could soon be challenging Alberto Gonzales for the No. 2 spot. Tommy Jackson should take note that Macleod may not be content to stop there!
    “So, they’re already giving the job to Scott. Fair enough,” said Jim, as he cleared space for the bacon and eggs which Fiona placed in front of him , along with a side plate piled high with buttered toast. “I think it’s time I had a word with him to see exactly where we stand. Now would be as good a moment as any.”
    “Don’t you go saying anything to Lewis yet,” said Fiona, as she joined him at the table. “He’s got enough to think about just now.”
    “Of course not,” muttered Jim, selecting his next newspaper to gloat over.
    Fiona picked up the Herald, and started browsing through it as she drank her tea. Her smile lacked the dimension of her husband’s when she read through the match review, but it was no less heartfelt. It was soon replaced, however, by a tight lipped grimace as she spotted a story well away from the sports pages.
    “Oh, no!” she cried.
    “What is it?” asked Jim, mildly irritated at the dampener on his mood.
    “It’s about Lee.”
    “Aye, there’s always something about Lee. He gets almost as much coverage as Lewis, and all he does is sit there and watch. What is it this time?” Jim was more than mildly irritated now. The Herald had proved him wrong.
    “Some man selling a story about him.”
    “Well, they both knew that was coming. It’s hardly a surprise. I’m sure that’s one cupboard that’s rattling with skeletons. I wouldn’t like to be on the ghost train that went through there!”
    “Well, I’m glad you can joke about it, but this is serious,” sniped Fiona whose turn it was now to clear her eyes. “It’s from when he was in Sydney, after he met Lewis... It’s not very nice. They’re saying he’s making a fool out of Lewis, cheating on him.”
    “We don’t know for sure if anything’s going on between them. He never stays over. Thank God!” said Jim.
    “That’s not the point. You don’t have to be having sex with someone to have feelings for them. This will hurt Lewis, I know it will.”
    “Then it’s best he hears it from us, before someone else gets the chance to rub his face in it. I’ll have a word when he gets back from his run with Mike.”
    “Let me do it,” suggested Fiona.
    “You’re welcome!” exclaimed Jim, happy to pass the buck on that particular job. “I knew that man was a waste of space.”
    “Did you now!” snapped Fiona. “Well I don’t quite see it like that myself.”
    Jim grumbled - his mood now totally ruined. “The sooner he goes back to Sydney, the