It wouldn’t be fitting if things went smoothly in the final tournament of Tri Bourne’s career.

When Evan Cory, Bourne’s partner for what has been a volatile 2025 season, made the finals in Seaside last weekend and popped his shoulder out, posting a picture wearing a sling, all Bourne could do is shake his head and laugh. Whether Cory could go or not, Bourne would do what he has always done when adversity presented itself throughout his extraordinary career: He’d figure it out.

He has.

On Wednesday afternoon, Cory confirmed he would be out for this weekend’s Manhattan Beach Open.

Bourne’s replacement was already in Southern California.

When Bourne announced his retirement in July, Nick Lucena couldn’t help himself. He’d always wanted to play with Bourne, had made a brief campaign to make a run at the Paris Olympics with him. He shot the 36-year-old a text. He’d be ready if Bourne wanted him.

Bourne said no, he’d committed to Cory, but if something came up, he’d let him know.

In the meantime, Lucena stayed ready. During an extended recruiting trip to California, Florida State’s top assistant played for 40 straight days. Fours. Sixes. Doubles. Co-ed. Whatever. He lifted. Pumped that right shoulder full of anti-inflammatories, just in case. Trained Monday morning in Tallahassee, just in case.

Now here was the case: Lucena was needed.

And now, three years after playing his last AVP, he will be competing in the Manhattan Beach Open, defending behind Bourne.

It is the weirdest cherry on top of an already-bizarre Manhattan Beach Open, which will be one massive retirement party. Phil Dalhausser claims it will be his last. Theo Brunner has speculated the same. Bourne has confirmed it will be his final event. Alison, too, has announced this year is his last, so this will be his final Manhattan Open, though he will be competing in the Hermosa Open September 5-7. Lucena thought he’d played his last AVP three years ago in Atlanta, and now he’s back in the mix.

With Andy Benesh and Miles Partain in the main draw at the Montreal Elite, the field is as wide open as any on this going-away send-off to many of the sport’s greats.

“Nick has been one of the kindest and most supportive players on tour — from checking in on me when I was sidelined with my illness to backing me when I subbed in at the Olympics,” Bourne said. “I feel incredibly lucky to share the court with him for both of our last runs.”