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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 18, 2004 5:17:31 GMT -5
I am not sure how this is going to sound, hopefully it's not too boring. So here is how my Melbourne trip is going so far.
Day 1 15/01/04
Well it's Thursday and I made it to the first round of the qualifiers for the Australian Open. I arrived in the afternoon as I am not too interested in women's tennis to sit down for long enough to watch a match.
The complex is getting it's last touches before the mayhem and the chaos begin on Monday, and they play all the matches on the smaller courts, and the show courts are blocked off so the top players are practicing in peace.
The qualies are good fun, it's free, I met some interesting people and yes I saw some matches today. The Swiss had the contingent of Wawrinka, Bastl, Hueberger and Kratochvil all hoping to qualify for the main draw.
I saw Wawrinka play against Marcos Daniel of Brazil, and Wawrinka didn't play too well he made too many errors when he wasn't going for any winners, unsurpringsly he lost 6-4 6-4. Bastl, Heuberger and Kratochvil all won through to the next round.
After Michel's match I asked about why he withdrew from Adelaide, he had some dizzy spells and thought it was the best to save himself for Melbourne. I asked about him about Rosset, who decided not to come down this year which was a disappointment. He said Marc was tired from playing all those challengers to try and get his ranking down, so he would get into the main draw, but he didn't finish high enough. I would be lying to say I am a huge fan of Rosset's game, but he is a very funny guy and I enjoy seeing him around the tournament.
Unfortunately Andre Sa lost to that prick Jeff Morrison who was complaining even though he was winning, which is a bit strange to me. Then I watched this Austrian guy Daniel Kollerer who beat Patty Schynder in a battle of the sexes match in Austria a few weeks ago. Kollerer managed to win his match, but he needs some anger management, and I don't think he is above some questionable tactics when he plays.
I ran into some Swedish fans, it was only a small core watching Björn Rehnquist playing against Israeli Noam Okun. It was a tough match Rehnquist lost 7-6 1-6 7-5, he had chances but wasn't good enough to take it on the day.
While I was watching the Kratochvil match against Niemeyer a big serving Canadian. I ended up talking to this guy David from Mallorca. I found out he is very good friends with Raffa Nadal and family, he coaches in Barcelona and he was a big fan of Kratochvil's game. The plan was to meet up tomorrow in the afternoon and see more matches.
Choke of the day goes to Arvind Parmar who was up 5-1 40-0 in the final set against Kevin Kim, he had 10 match points and somehow managed to lose the match, when you are that far ahead and lose, there is no sympathy coming from me.
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 18, 2004 5:19:04 GMT -5
Day 2 16/01/4 Day two of the qualifiers was a good day, not because of any great results, but because there were more of the players arriving and practicing.
Bastl and Heuberger managed to lose their matches and Misha got through in two very tough sets against Coutelot. Misha has the most handsome German player of all time Bernd Karbacher helping him at the moment, hopefully he can win some matches this year and getting his ranking so he can get into more main draws.
Met up with David and we commented that Nadal made the semis in Auckland, and we didn't think that he would make the final and he would arrive tomorrow. Then we had some very interesting conversations about tennis and other sports, he is actually a very nice guy for a Real Madrid fan, but I can't hold that against him.
Also I ran into Fabrice this Swiss French guy I met at the AO a few years ago, and luckily he remembered me and we joked about the old times. He had some more friends from the his region so I decided to call this group "The Fondue Boys", more from them later for sure.
Ok, now it's time to say who I spotted training. Coria was training on show court 3 which was open, he was hitting with Volandri. He seemed to be moving quite well, I actually noticed his coach Alberto Mancini more I remember him, when he was a handsome, very strong guy who knew how to hit a topspin backhand. Now he is just a fat guy with less hair, but he has done a great job with Coria.
Next I saw Kiefer wandering around the grounds, he seemed to be in another world and I think his time has gone unfortunately I could be wrong, but I doubt it.
Up on the player fare was Corretja and Gaudio who I happen to like. It was a bit warm so I sat in the shade and watched them play, and David was telling me about the Davis Cup when Argentina should have won. He likes Gaudio play, but doesn't like him too much. They were hitting quite well, though Gaudio seemed to have a problem of moving forward to finish the points.
After training I spoke with Gaudio for about five minutes, I met him once before and having a distinctive appearance has its advantages, though I am not sure about too many free tickets yet. Then I spoke with Corretja who is definiely one of the nicest guys on tour, and hopefully he can do some good work again.
I saw Gonzalez training and yes he does absolutely belt the crap out of the ball. He was going alright and he won his practice set. His coach Horacio De La Pena is always joking around, he talks like Speedy Gonzalez and all the time as well, luckily I had the Spanish translator with me. I wished him luck and said for the good of tennis you have to beat that arsehole Roddick, Gonzo laughed and said I will do my best.
Other people I saw training were Koubek, Costa, Blake and Nico Lapentti, decided to call it day and then think about tomorrow.
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 18, 2004 5:39:22 GMT -5
17/01/04 The last day of qualies and I only saw 2 matches Mello winning into the main draw with Sa, Saretta and a couple of other Brazilian guys cheering him on.
The other was Misha unfortunately losing to Muller of Luxembourg in the final match. Muller served very well and Misha made plenty of errors on his backhand and was under pressure because of Muller's serving. There are a few injuries around, so there is hope that he might get as in a Lucky Loser but that' s a bit desparate.
Today on the practice courts there were a some guys who practiced twice today. Chela and Costa and yes Chela does look like a monkey in the face, definitely not as hairy as an ape. Then later Costa was hitting up with Srichipan and there were a few people around to see them.
Pavel was hitting up with Nieminen and they were sharing the court with some other guys, then later Pavel was training with Gonzo and they were both timing the ball very well and De La Pena was his usual self. I have to say Gonzo does have a very attractive girlfriend, then again that is the same with most players. Had a bit of a talk with Gonzo, and no I wasn't going to suggest tactics as one he does his own thing and two he is bigger than me and wouldn't belt me up.
Safin was hitting up with Ljubicic and they were both training very well, and the lack of screaming girls was a wonderful thing. Yes, there were one or two but not as many as there is going to be during the week. I like Safin, though those kind of fans are very annoying to say the least.
Guga was there as well and didn't have the screaming girl factor there, and from what I saw all the players were acommodating to the fans, yes that includes Costa.
I spoke to Arazi and he told me that Younes was able to practice today and is confident that he will play the Open. He also told me about how life is when a player is injured, it was interesting to hear what he did during his three months off tennis.
Koubek was out there slugging away with Oli Rochus, and Escude was on the court beforehand as well. Rounding out the day I saw Kucera, Söderling, Ferrer, Saretta practicing as well at different times.
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 18, 2004 5:45:13 GMT -5
Day 4 Away from the courts, and I was happy with that. I caught with some friends and did some necessary crap that I won't be doing during the tournament.
I have just looked at the schedule of play and I think I will be seeing this matches, though not all of them in full.
Roddick vs Gonzo on the big screen Safin vs Vahaly, if I can get past all the screaming girls Younes vs Blanco Massu vs Nieminen Hrbaty vs Saretta Ginepri vs Horna Patience vs Andreev Gaudio vs Robredo
These are who I want to win, they probably won't Gonzo, Safin, Nieminen, Hrbaty, Horna, Andreev and Gaudio
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Post by Tennislurker on Jan 18, 2004 14:38:06 GMT -5
Thanks for your report, a year ago I would say " Gaudio has a very good draw", he certainly can beat Robredo 62 63 62, but Gaudio will probably lose to Robredo nowadays. He is the second most talented latin american player ive ever seen IMO (Marcelo Rios being number 1 obviously). So, you have no simpathy for players who lose after leading 51 in the last set? I bet you are a Sabatini hater. You better Cheer for Gaudio today!!
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Post by TennisHack on Jan 18, 2004 14:51:00 GMT -5
Thanks tons for your reports, George!! I'm glad you're having a good time, and your match selection looks good. I'm sure I'll be following the matches from the scoreboard as usual I have been away all weekend, and am very sorry to see that Micha lost I knew Muller would be a very tough opponent, and after his serving crisis vs Coutelot I was a bit worried. Unfortunately, he would be second on the LL list. I haven't checked the draw since it was completed, but I don't have high hopes for it. at the prick Morrison -- why do you think he's a prick? I've never seen him (and am not dying to) but he's so far below my radar that I don't really care about him. I do like hearing about stuck-up players, though ;D Can't wait to read more about your adventures! Thanks for sharing them with us
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Post by RogiFan on Jan 18, 2004 16:47:30 GMT -5
Thanks for your reports, that's just what we love -- our very own roving tennis reporter! I'm cheering for Gonzo all the way tomorrow -- I w like to meet him some day and hablar espanol -- if Juanqui likes him, he must be a nice guy! Jeff Morrison beat Sa? YUK!! Don't like that JM since he beat Juanqui at Wimby... Hope Safin can give it a real go this year -- we need him badly! Alex, love that guy! Another one I want to meet [before he retires]. Hmmm... I think Gaudio is pretty talented but seems so lackadaisical out there as if he's not too serious... but yes, I agree, Marcelo Rios is truly talented -- I miss the guy -- oh well, I was fortunate to see him play Moya in TO02 -- very good match!! AND he signed autographs afterwards... I missed my chance, damn!
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Post by Ilhame on Jan 19, 2004 7:06:52 GMT -5
Thanks a lot for the reports They're very much appreciated and very detailed I have to say. I assume you were able to take pics of Safin since there weren't much groupies around him?
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 19, 2004 7:50:17 GMT -5
Day 5 Yes, now the play time is over and the tournament got under away. It was quite a warm day today, and it will be only worse tomorrow. I got my bearings and decided to find the matches that I wanted to see.
Overall it wasn't a bad day unfortunately Koubek lost to Beck. It was the first time I have seen Beck play and he wasn't crap, though Koubi wasn't in the greatest form, all this means is Koubi will be around at the parties during the week, before he prepares for Davis Cup.
Igor Andreev has a very good game and people will be hearing about him. He got himself injured during the third set, with an upper thigh injury and that restricted his movement, and Patience who I call "Have a little" because of that Guns and Roses song, he took advantage and won. Davydenko should clean him up handily, by the way it was great that he beat the garden gnome munchkin Clement especially after coming back from 2 sets down.
I saw a bit of the Ljubicic match and no I didn't expect tennis, which is exactly what I got. The Croatian fans like to think it's a football game and don't know that much about tennis, but it gave the venue a bit of atmosphere. After Guga's great effort I wouldn't be surprised if Ljubicic takes him out in the next round.
Yes, Ja, Si and yes Gaudio was the winner today and he played very well. Robredo made a few errors and didn't convert his chances, but Gaudio played a very good match, he has to improve on keeping the double faults down against Hrbaty. I saw Gaudio after the match and he joked "why weren't you there for the whole match". Well apart from going for a walk and getting a drink, I came back in the 3rd set and that is the one he had the most problems with Robredo. Hopefully he will get me some tickets for his match on Wednesday, though he wasn't too keen on playing Hrbaty.
The Gonzo/Rawdick match yes what a disappointing result. It's good to see that good eyesight isn't a prerequisite for being a linesperson. Gonzo serving at 5-6 in the 2nd set duece, he smacks this forehand which I see on normal speed on a television and could tell it was in, was called out. I suppose the ball landing in the middle of the line for a winner in that point is a foreign concept to some people. Hopefully Gonzo sticks around and plays in the doubles.
Saw Roger and Allegro practicing today. Allegro wasn't hitting the ball very well and Roger wasn't much better. He seems in a strange world at the moment, I just hope Mirka doesn't take out the garbage as well as wear the pants in that relationship.
Finally met Björkman girl, she is a very nice and I think she was disappointing in expecting a ridiculously handsome man with a strange accent, and she then met me. I saw her after the Nieminen vs Massu match, which Jarkko won, but it was more to Massu making huge amounts of errors. The guy was too intense, just talking to his coach the whole time and this guy an impostor playing as Massu played and was down 1-6, 0-4 and then the real Massu turned up and won the 2nd set. Jarkko was more consistent and deservedly won.
No, Ilhame I don't have any Safin pics, not easy getting past some of the fans. He is playing Jarkko next and I might get some while he is practicing tomorrow.
Tomorrow is a very busy day for me as I will be out at these matches. Some I will have to hop between them.
Arazi vs Mutis Costa vs Nandroman Pavel v Mirnyi Nalby vs Mello Corretja v Verkerk Calleri v C Rochus Nadal v Tabara Mantilla v Ascione Björkman v Sargsian
The people I said first are the ones I am cheering for. I think it could be time to start taking notes, instead of doing this off memory.
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Post by TennisHack on Jan 19, 2004 9:32:46 GMT -5
Igor Andreev has a very good game and people will be hearing about him. He got himself injured during the third set, with an upper thigh injury and that restricted his movement, and Patience who I call "Have a little" because of that Guns and Roses song, he took advantage and won. I really wanted him to win his match, he seems very impressive. I was wondering what happened in the third set (they don't tell you about injuries on the scoreboard) but figured he wasn't used to playing five-setters. Oh, well, a qualifier was rewarded, I suppose. That doesn't sound promising. Maybe he saw his quarter of the draw and decided to give up before he even started? Heh, I am more than pleased with this result, no matter how it came Finally, Jarkko didn't have to play 5 sets to win a GS match! This is all just wonderful, thanks for the reports! Most of us are stuck with the scoreboard and the Roddick/Agassi mania of ESPN, so anything you give us is most welcome!
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Post by Vera on Jan 20, 2004 2:20:40 GMT -5
Thanks for the great report. Do you know some players? I mean, actually befriend with them? Just curious. Anyway, we all agree that Jeff Morrison is a prick. I hate him as much as I hate Vahaly .
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 20, 2004 6:23:43 GMT -5
Vera, I can't really say it all depends on your defintions. If I gave away too much I would have to kill you.
Well today wasn't a bad day, especially as I got my tickets for free and also for tomorrow, so that is a good beginning.
Saw plenty of matches today and no there will not be any Roddick/Agassi ESPN propaganda from me, this is for sure. Though I think I should still take note during the day.
Now onto the matches and two of the more unique things I have seen on the court. First I subjected myself to watching Mantilla playing like an aboslute arse clown today. It was a horrible performance, as I was talking with his coach Joaquin Munoz before the match and he said he felt some pain around his achilles and he wasn't moving that well. The thing was Mantilla made nearly as many unforced errors as Ascione, and we know Mantilla doesn't make many unforced errors, so his lack of confidence in his movement contributed.
One of the funny things was Mantilla hit this mishit forehand that went very high and swirled in the wind, it just bounced once on the Ascione side of the net, then it bounced back on Mantilla's side and he won the point. Everyone in the crowd was laughing.
Arazi struggled initially and then overcame Mutis. Younes was there and I asked him about the injury and he said he wasn't sure about whether he will be able to play Davis Cup. That would be a tragedy for Morocco if he couldn't play, yes he is a great guy and he posed with everyone that asked for photos.
Hahahahaha Coria is gone, and I can't say I am disappointed at all. I didn't see the match, but since I had one of my Argentine friends there, his analysis was Saulnier played well and Coria was ordinary and he did a little bit of usual whining when things aren't going way.
Yes, Corretja won and it was a very good effort though Verkerk definitely helped him with errors at vital points. Verkerk was very frustrated and did refer to the way Corretja was playing to a gay person, he probably should have mentioned Woodforde instead. It was good to see Corretja showing some of his determination and next comes Ancic another big server who exhails like Muster when he hits the ball. That will be very tough and I think Ancic might win, though I hope not.
Nandroman got the needle taken out of him by Costa. To put simply Rusedski didn't serve very well and he doesn't have anything else to back it up with. Costa was solid when he had the chances and was passing very well and that stands him in good stead against Arthurs in his next match.
Pavel played very well against the Beast. In fact he only had 5 unforced errors in the first 2 sets, he lost the tiebreaker on 2 dodgy calls, but he put it behind hm and was outstanding. Mirnyi played quite good as well and was fantastic signing autographs for 5 minutes after he lost. Pavel is a very outgoing guy and he was chatting with everyone after he won.
Calleri has lost weight and is not such a Gordo anymore, and that huge backhand was operating very well for the majority of the match. C.Rochus tried but the big Argie was too good when it counted. Next up for him is Canas who won easily and this is one that I will be going out to see.
Nalbandian and Nadal were a total class above Mello and Tabara respectively, a Hewitt v Nadal match is looking very likely and me getting tickets is looking very unlikely.
Ah the second thing that happened today was in the Stepanek v Sanguinetti match. Yes, I am a Stepanek fan and after his great comeback there were more who like Radek. He lost the first 2 and then I came to the match halfway through the 3rd and he was lifting his game. He was playing some great drop shots, angles and lobs. In the 5th he was frustrating Sanguinetti so muh, and the facial reactions needed to be seen.
Then it's Radek's match point and there is a bit of rain, but nothing that serious. Sanguinetti starts crying to the umpire to suspend play while the court was wet. Yes, yours truly led the chorus of boos on the outside court and then the slow handclapping. After 5 minutes they finished the match and I was wondering whether Sanguinetti would call for the trainer or take a toilet break while match point down.
Well for tomorrow I will be going to see Escude v Söderling in the morning, and then I will see Gaudio take out that Hrbaty character ( no I am not confident) and later go and watch Jarkko against Safin. There are some others I will be keeping my eyes out on. The mens doubles begin on Thursday and there should be some interesting matches.
Back tomorrow with the next update.
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Post by Doris on Jan 20, 2004 7:52:31 GMT -5
Wow Georges thanks for your great reports!! It's great fun reading them. Wish I could be Down Under too.... ...so Roger must have played better than in his training session with Yves
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Post by Ilhame on Jan 20, 2004 8:48:52 GMT -5
So sad to hear about Younes I'm glad Hicham is through Thanks again for the wonderful report
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Post by TennisHack on Jan 20, 2004 10:46:24 GMT -5
Vera, I can't really say it all depends on your defintions. If I gave away too much I would have to kill you. Perhaps you are just not afraid to talk to players? :lmao::lmao::lmao: It seems it would be great fun to attend a tournament with you, you are quite the mischief maker ;D Does that mean the friggin draw will finally be released somewhere? I want five sets for Jarkko and Safin, they deserve no less
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Post by Doris on Jan 20, 2004 12:31:57 GMT -5
The doubles draw is now on the site..
Goooo Roger and Yves!!
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Post by Tennislurker on Jan 20, 2004 12:38:15 GMT -5
Thanks for your report.
It is funny, now Calleri lost a lot of weight but everybody still calls him "El gordo". Did you know Mancini was Calleri's favourtie player? I think Agustin plays quite similar to him, at least he hits the ball almost as hard as him.
I did not understand what you said about Verkerk saying Corretja plays like someone gay.
Isnt playing from two meters behind the baseline with a one handed backhand, hitting with heavy top spin and grunting, the most manly and heterosexual way of playing this game?
Thanks for Cheering for Gaudio
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Post by RogiFan on Jan 20, 2004 13:05:49 GMT -5
Can someone tell me what Day 2 matches ESPN showed/is showing? So far we got overnight Venus, Hewitt, Rubin and today at 2pm we get Flip -- anyone else after Flip's match?? Thanks! It's -24C!! But SUNNY!
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Post by Tennislurker on Jan 20, 2004 15:58:23 GMT -5
Gaudio is playing doubles with Karlovic, they make such a funny couple. Karlovic is more or less 35 centimeters taller than Gaudio, the grass court big server and the talented clay court choker together. I wish I could see them. Cheer for them if you can George. Rogi Fan, here in Argentina espn will show the Agassi match, the roddick match And the guga Ljubicic match.
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Post by Vera on Jan 20, 2004 16:11:44 GMT -5
Vera, I can't really say it all depends on your defintions. If I gave away too much I would have to kill you. lol. Oh, I see. You're international tennis spy or something? Just curious . That's okay. I'm not all that interested in which player you're friends with, more interested in how ppl can get free tickets into a tennis tournament . Which gay player Verkerk is comparing Corretja to? Is he implying that some tennis players are gay inside the closet , that's not possible .
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Post by RogiFan on Jan 20, 2004 17:32:15 GMT -5
Verblerk, what a thing to say! Didn't someone see him and Sluiter on some Dutch TV show and thought his manners or behaviour left a lot to be desired?! Was it Francine or Ilhame? Anyway, he's a goofball... w no tact whatsoever... duh!!
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Post by Ilhame on Jan 20, 2004 17:52:08 GMT -5
That was Francine, I had missed that show
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 20, 2004 18:03:25 GMT -5
I was sitting next to a Dutch guy and he translated what Verkerk said. He wasn't playing well and he said Corretja was playing like a poofter/ gay person. He didn't call Alex gay.
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Post by RogiFan on Jan 20, 2004 18:06:29 GMT -5
I was sitting next to a Dutch guy and he translated what Verkerk said. He wasn't playing well and he said Corretja was playing like a poofter/ gay person. He didn't call Alex gay. Pretty well the same thing tho... hmm... to think that Alex's "gay" tennis won him that match too!!
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Post by TennisHack on Jan 20, 2004 19:03:41 GMT -5
I was sitting next to a Dutch guy and he translated what Verkerk said. He wasn't playing well and he said Corretja was playing like a poofter/ gay person. He didn't call Alex gay. What an asshole
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Post by The Chloe on Jan 21, 2004 14:03:51 GMT -5
I would imagine that the more offensive translation would be that he said Corretja was playing like a "Ballbuster loves men!!1 :hearts:". Anyways... keep up the great reports, George!
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 22, 2004 5:34:49 GMT -5
Ok, children I know you have missed my reports so the priviledge is all yours for two reports from the non Roddick/Agassi Australian Open.
Wednesday, wasn't too bad in some respects and not others. I met up with an old Croatian friend of mine Sammy, I was wondering what happened to him during the first two days. The clown broke his arm, falling while playing soccer and couldn't come the first two days. Luckily he knows me very well and knew what matches to find me.
First of all I will talk about the hiding that Hrbaty gave Gaudio 6-1, 7-5, 6-0. The Dominator definitely dominated Gaudio, and for once Gaudio didn't give up, but he didn't vary his game enough to throw Hrbaty out of rhythm and it's about time that Hrbaty at least showed some of his potential, and he hasn't been pushed too hard and I think he has a very good opportunity to beat Grosjean on Friday night.
Enqvist and Beck was a tough match, but Enqvist was good enough to win. The Swedes definitely give the tournament a lot of atmosphere which is a good thing, and it's usually easy to know how one of their players is going from the crowd, if you can't get in the court. I am not a huge fan of Enqvist, one of my friends was heckling him when he was training in Stockholm last December, and it was funny when Enqvist recognised the heckler. He has a very good record against Agassi, so hopefully the boring churchboy can put one over Bald Eagle who walks like a Duck Agassi.
Escude and Söderling was quite a good match and Escude played very well, but the problem is that Escude isn't known for his consistency and could quite easily lose to that waste of space Ginepri. I remember seeing Ginepri last year playing Rosset and that was one hell of a poor match. Rosset was injured and played absolute crappy tennis and Ginepri wasn't much better, but to his credit he decided to bulk up, but this is a cosmetic change as I still don't rate him very highly.
Speaking of ordinary players it's an absolute joke that " have a little" is in the 3rd round. Davydenko has been on a very poor streak which doesn't say much about the gnome Clement, but losing to Patience come on that is virtually unacceptable.
I saw Roger and Yves playing doubles and they lost to Sa and Saretta, Roger didn't really try that hard, and I would even go to far as saying that Allegro was probably the better out of the two, though Allegro and return of service aren't mutually exclusive terms.
Then Costa and Ferrero were practicing and there were a lot of silly girlies watching Ferrero and he was getting frustrated and threw his racquet against the back fence after he missed a shot, it was quite funny to see actually. I spoke to Costa afterwards, actually mostly about how I hope he will play better in the tournament than Barcelona are currently going in La Liga, also joked about the huge serving left handers that they keep throwing him Rusedski then Arthurs.
Ilhame, this one is especially for you, yes I have some Safin news. I took some photos for you, whilst he was practicing with Denis and then later proceded to meet Björkman girl who is very keen on Jarkko and also Sammy who was very frustrated at this time with Ljubicic and Karlovic's exits from the tournament.
The Ljubicic match he had plenty of chances against Guga in the 1st and 3rd sets but managed to find a way to lose, whilst Karlovic the tiebreak king played some very poor points in the breaker against Martin. We all like Jarkko, but the reason we went for Safin were practical reasons, as he had a more realistic chance of doing more damage in the tournament.
The match was of a very high standard and Safin knew he had to lift his level of play to beat Jarkko, which he did very well. The old temper was flaming and there to see on show, but his overall form was good. Jarkko played some very good shots, but he really does need to improve his second serve to take that next step. Freddy is a good coach and got Norman to the top, and he will work on that and get him stronger physically. Safin has to continue improving and he will with more match time and I think he should take care of old man Martin.
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jan 22, 2004 5:54:32 GMT -5
Total non-tennis but hey it's a bit of light relief.
Later that night I saw Safin twice, once I was walking down the street and I saw this guy with a hat and a jacket, with two others and an attractive girl, then after I passed I realised it was him. No, Ilhame I didn't chase him down the street asking for a photo.
Somehow I managed to get an invite to one of the player parties that night. I was worried that this place that I needed to be tarted up and spiffy, but thankfully this wasn't the case. The night wasn't too bad overall, there were plenty of dolly girls you know like Barbies, and flimsy outfits. It was fun for a few minutes then I decided to take part in some beverages.
Luckily I knew some people and that was a good thing. The players that turned up were Melzer, Sa, Saretta, Horna, the Lapenttis, Verkerk, Safin ( he was only drinking Red Bull), Labadze, Joaquin Munoz ( Mantilla's coach), Bhupati, Amitraj and then also Freddy Rosengren ( Jarkko's coach) and the man Mats Wilander.
Actually it was great the first time I met Wilander as I couldn't believe I was talking to my tennis hero, the guy that got me into tennis and he wasn't a wanker which is a good thing. Now, here I was getting drunk with this guy and admiring the wildlife around me. Initially, I was paying for my drinks, but that stopped as the players had these special armtags and when Saretta went to the bar, which was very often I had some bevvies coming my way.
I didn't ask Verkerk about the Corretja comment, but he was on a hunting mission and I found out that he supports Ajax Amsterdam. Labadze, Sa and Saretta were very drunk, but not as bad as Rosengren who is animated enough when he is coaching, let alone when he was out.
I managed to talk to Safin for a few minutes, and he seems like a fairly cool guy I know the French Eurosport journalist called him the funniest guy on tour, and most of our conversation was talking about football and him laughing at some comments I made about Roddick.
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Post by Ilhame on Jan 22, 2004 6:15:22 GMT -5
Thanks for that GWH Check your pm on this board
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Post by Doris on Jan 22, 2004 6:25:58 GMT -5
GWH me jaleous Thanks for the great reports. Keep em coming they are really entertaining.
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