Affe #196

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Robert Mangahut knew he should have opted for a quick lunch instead of the dry coconut energy bar and also one more bathroom break before the final set. It was too late now, and he didn't want to be the first to signal to the referee that he needed another time-out. The whole thing was taking up too much time anyway. But before long he had already pushed these trivial issues to the back of his mind and forgot about them while he fully focused his concentration again.

The match had started on the second day of the tournament. As usual in ape tennis matches, the game was played in five sets. In the first four sets, a tiebreaker was used to decide a tied set. However, that wasn't the case for the fifth and final set – right where they were now. The final set would continue until one of the players won by a two-point lead or a competitor resigned. Robert had to admit that he was about to throw in the towel and call it quits. But victory was within reach, and he could see his opponent was just as exhausted as he was. The first four sets passed without any noteworthy incidents. His opponent won the first set 6-4, breaking Robert's serve in the ninth game. Robert won the second set 6-3. The third and fourth sets were both decided by tiebreaks, with Robert winning the third set tiebreak 9-7 and his opponent winning the fourth set tiebreak 7-3, keeping the score for each monkey at two sets. By the end of the fourth set, about three hours had passed. It had been an exciting game so far and both competitors were desperate to win. The primates in the audience loved the rallies and kept shouting in support of their favorite player. Both monkey athletes prepared for the final set by drinking a banana recovery shake and some coconut water to rehydrate and avoid cramps.

That was the story so far – the last break had happened seven hours ago. It was now getting darker and neon lights were brought to the tennis court to illuminate the area. Unfortunately, Robert had failed to convert two match points. But his game wasn't without its fair share of highlights either: He had served more than 100 aces – and his right arm felt like an overripe watermelon and threatened to fall off on the next impact. It didn't help that the crowd began ordering huge amounts of food and drink as dinner time approached. Robert could smell fried bananas and pineapple pizza. He gripped the racket tighter and had to be careful not to start drooling.

The situation was not easy for the officials too. The referee – a giant orangutan sitting in his elevated chair surveying the game – showed signs of severe sunburn and dehydration. He had lost track twice already and Robert was pretty sure he had napped for the better half of the fifth set. In addition, at least two ball monkeys, small talapoins, had passed out from the heat and had to be carried away and replaced.

Standing far back after returning a powerful serve, Robert gave his opponent an opportunity for a drop shot. He knew he wouldn't have the energy to chase the ball, even though it was his fifth match point. His mind wandered between the game, the aches in his arms and legs, and the fading daylight. A delicious smell of deep-fried fruit and cheese wafted from the ranks – then his body moved as if by itself…

After winning the game and setting a new record for the longest ape tennis match in Monkeyverse history, Robert was asked where he found the final strength for such a precise down-the-line backhand passing shot. Staring at the microphone in front of his nose, Robert Mangahut only managed to utter only two words in a monotonous voice – "Pineapple pizza" and passed out from exhaustion.

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