W&S Open - Day...Somewhere Near the Middle
It's been a hell of a few days. Even though the tournament is only just entering the second round, we had qualifiers before that, and we have way too many guys to root for. The last two days have been me and the HLP running from court to court, watching a first set here, a last set there, making time to cruise around the practice courts and the player's entrance. We're tired, exhausted even, but we can't say it hasn't been fun.
We made our usual trip to Carrabbas last Saturday and weren't disappointed. Sebastien Grosjean and Richard Gasquet were sitting outside. While we waited for a table in our car, Viktor Troicki pulled up next to us. We shifted to an open bench by the door and watched Maria Sharapova dash in to put her name on the list. (Not a fan, but we still got sat before Sharapova, and that's pretty awesome.) After we were seated, we discovered Gilles Simon, Adrian Mannarino and Thierry Tulsane at the bar. Oh, and there was food. Yummy food.
Practices are always our favorite. So far the best was Nico Almagro, who took the court as it was growning dark and stayed on until well after. He ended with a rousing game of mini-football against his trainer that he fully involved the small crowd in, asking us to call the lines and confirm the score. When he left, he stopped to sign everything, laughing and chatting with the people left behind.
We always pick up a few new players during the tournament. So far this year it's Adrian Mannarino. French, 23, left-handed, ranked about 60. He was charming and funny and still has the boyish playfullness that makes tennis fun. He lost in the second round of the qualifiers, but we keep finding him on the practice court and he never fails to amuse. We'll be keeping an eye on him.
We're still annoyed by the women, but learning to adapt. Our main complaint is that they aren't receiving equal treatment. They seem to be receiving preferential treatment. Most of the practice courts are filled with women practicing alone while the guys double up on whatever's left. I don't know what we'll decide for next year, to come back or try Toronto. We have some time to decide, obviously.
Six hours until I have to be awake again, but the boys are waiting, so I'll manage.