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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Jul 6, 2004 8:11:17 GMT -5
I actually don't have much to write about from being there yesterday (Monday) as the matches kept being interrupted by rain. Yes, this year Wimbledon gave Gstaad their wet weather. The same group like last year, minus one, we had a late breakfast at the sponsors' resto, (they had croissants, bread, yogurt, butter, confitteur, fresh oj and grapefruit, different kinds of cheeses, fresh fruits and coffee/tea.) I strolled around as we arrived while waiting to have our wristbands and tickets, i saw Novak and his family, 2 players that i didn't recognize were practising, Ivo Heuberger was also there. After breakfast we watched Novak against Acasuso. It started to rain so we headed back to the resto and had a complimentary glass of champagne, then we had lunch. For the cold plates we had white wine, and for the warm plates we got red wine. Talking about being giddy. But it was raining so might as well enjoy the food! I went out when the skies cleared up and saw the second set of Burgmuller & Hanescu's match on the second court. It's great to sit here cuz you're so close and really feel the speed of the balls. Hanescu is very tall but moves quite well. He has a good backhand. His friends were cheering him on, i saw them sitting together by the grounds afterwards. The thing they added to the grounds this year was a huge screen. Then Costa & Ulhirach followed, and that was the best match we saw, Costa still shows his skills on clay, but Uhlirach is a player not to be taken for granted. Their ground duels and drop shots were just fantastic. It was announced that Juanqui was doing autographs at 3 pm so i went there. I heard Juanqui talking in German to one of the Allianz guys. I stood right next to him as he was signing autographs, i had no paper nor pen, i just had my digital camera so i clicked on, i was standing on his side, i could have pinched his cheek if i wanted to. ;D But he really looks so young in person, he seemed to have lost weight. I asked him if he was playing at the USO, he goes, "qua"? so i repeated myself louder and he said yes, and i wished him good luck and he smiled and said thanks. i went back to Costa's match, which he won, 64 76. Wawwrinka was playing on the main court and we went upstairs again and had coffee, cakes and sandwiches. I left the group and had a peek at Stanis match, but it was boring, Wawrinka doesn't move too well, but maybe i'm spoiled from watching too much Roger matches. It started to drizzle again, and i went out to the main street, i saw Radek with another guy, then headed towards Roger's hotel. There was a buzz going on, i walked towards the hotel and saw all the staff including the cooks and chambermaids waiting by the entrance. I asked a woman which VIP was arriving and she said Roger. I knew it! I asked if it was alright to go in and have some ice tea and she said of course, and that i can pass through those people, but i took the side door by the patio and ordered my drink, sat in one of the lobby chairs near the window and i saw the car arrived, then the staff started applauding, i stood where i was, the other guests in the lobby went towards the entrance, so i peeked and saw Roger & Mirka posing for pictures. Then they were inside, and walked straight to the elevator. Roger wore a dark green trenchcoat over his jeans. Then he talked to the hotel manager and another staff accompanied them in the elevator and he was gone. I took a pic but i was a bit too late and too far, i still have to see how the pic came out. Anyways, it was nice to see him in flesh the day after winning his second Wimby title. With the rain going much this week i don't think it's fun for him to play and i won't be surprised if he lost in the earlier rounds. Still, i'll be back for the semis on Saturday, and with or without Roger, i'll just enjoy the tennis! edit: i almost forgot: i saw Doris in the grounds after i saw Roger and we talked briefly, then it was time to go back to Bern. I didn't have a chance to give my red envelope, not in those circumstances, so if i'm not successful, i'll just mail it to his place in Bottmingen.
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Post by TennisHack on Jul 6, 2004 11:37:52 GMT -5
Mrs. B! Wow, sounds like lots of fun stalking down the players ;D Juan Carlos is so quiet in person! But there's still something about him that attracts the crowds. I hope he's getting back into playing shape He speaks German, eh? Nice So Federer did go back yesterday! I saw on today's OOP that they were having the ceremony today. Didn't they do it on Monday last year? Either way, what will they give him next? Too bad you won't be there to see it agian. I'm jealous you have access to the sponsors tent and all that yummy food! Too bad the matches were rain-interrupted but it sounds like you had a nice time nonetheless. Hope Doris is doing well!
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Jul 6, 2004 13:12:57 GMT -5
hehe, i had to hide myself from Mirka at the hotel lobby else she'd recognize me and really think i'm stalking her guy! next time i'll just spend the night there. Juanqui was sorrounded by all these kids with balls and pictures of him to be signed and i just stood there beside him and watched. but there's something so boyish about him i felt the urge to pat him on the head, or even pinch his cheek! ;D. i'll crop his pic in a minute and send it to you, you can put it in your hp. yes, being in the sponsors' tent esp. when it rained was the good part, and the food was good, like last year. too bad we couldn't go on a day like this, with another homage to the local hero. still, you can't have it all. we'll see how Saturday will fare, weatherwise and as far as matches go. lol, the Swiss organizers are getting carried away. They gave Roger an Alphorn today, so if he wins Wimby again next year he'd probably get a mountainside and complete the Swiss package.
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Post by TennisHack on Jul 6, 2004 14:39:12 GMT -5
Hehe, I'm sure she'd understand Surely you can't be the worst of Federer's fans. Besides, I thought the Swiss were pretty laid back about that sort of thing Thanks for the picture! I'll retrieve it in a minute. I have spent the past hour or so downloading and then uploading Micha's interview from Gstaad today to the fan club. It was a long interview LOL, but I'm collecting audio interviews in a couple different languages...I think I have English, French, and today Swiss German. They gave Federer and Alphorn?! LMAO!! If he wins it a few more times he might own the country, if in name only Hopefully Saturday will be nice and you'll see some great matches. Roger is rolling so far
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Post by Vera on Jul 6, 2004 15:13:58 GMT -5
Thanks for the report, Mrs. B. Glad you had a great time there. Any chance we can see your photos?
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Post by TennisHack on Jul 6, 2004 17:27:35 GMT -5
Swiss Wimbledon champion Roger Federer (C) and two local farmers play the alphorn during the official welcome at the Swiss Open in Gstaad, July 6, 2004. Federer, number one seed of the Swiss Open tennis tournament in Gstaad, will play against Germany's Thomas Behrend later today. REUTERS/Marcus Gyger
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Post by Lee on Jul 6, 2004 22:20:53 GMT -5
Thanks for the report Mrs. B! Hopefully your Saturday visit will be even better!!
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Post by ILR on Jul 7, 2004 8:28:48 GMT -5
Thanks for the report Mrs.B! at you saying Mirka might think you're trying to steal her man!!
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jul 7, 2004 8:52:47 GMT -5
Go the alphorn that's great. I think they should play it at his wedding.
Mirka wears the pants in that relationship.
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Jul 7, 2004 12:13:56 GMT -5
Thanks for the report, Mrs. B. Glad you had a great time there. Any chance we can see your photos? i sent it to Lee & Emma and asked them to forward it to you and Ilhame. i'll try to take more pics on Saturday.
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Jul 7, 2004 12:16:49 GMT -5
Go the alphorn that's great. I think they should play it at his wedding. Mirka wears the pants in that relationship. Alphorn music and Juliette as the bridesmaid. ;D In one way it's good she runs part of the show, then he can concentrate on his tennis. He's also still a boy in so many ways and needs a proxy mom on the road.
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jul 7, 2004 12:32:53 GMT -5
Alphorn music and Juliette as the bridesmaid. ;D In one way it's good she runs part of the show, then he can concentrate on his tennis. He's also still a boy in so many ways and needs a proxy mom on the road. Yes, I agree with the Alphorn music sentiment for sure. She does run the show, the strong older woman thing something in common with Gaudio. He is a city boy, who likes wrestling and FC Basle, then again I bet you run the Mrs Bunzli household like Mirka.
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Jul 7, 2004 13:52:28 GMT -5
hör uf with your bünzli idea of me Georgio! as the invitation for you to drop by for a raclette or fondue whenever you come to CH is open, you'll find out sooner or later that i'm not. ;D
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Post by ILR on Jul 7, 2004 13:55:52 GMT -5
i sent it to Lee & Emma and asked them to forward it to you and Ilhame. i'll try to take more pics on Saturday. I never got the e mail Mrs.B I think my yahoo account is playing up or something because this isnt the first time something like this has happened.
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Post by Lee on Jul 8, 2004 0:09:23 GMT -5
i sent it to Lee & Emma and asked them to forward it to you and Ilhame. i'll try to take more pics on Saturday. I never got the e mail Mrs.B I think my yahoo account is playing up or something because this isnt the first time something like this has happened. Sorry I did not go online until very late today. I have forwarded the pix to Ilhame and Vera. Emma, I will send one pic at a time to your address. See if you receive any.
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Post by Lee on Jul 8, 2004 0:19:43 GMT -5
OK, I know why Emma didn't get the pix, the e-mail address was wrong. I PMed Mrs. B the correct addy.
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Jul 8, 2004 1:42:54 GMT -5
hör uf with your bünzli idea of me Georgio! as the invitation for you to drop by for a raclette or fondue whenever you come to CH is open, you'll find out sooner or later that i'm not. ;D You write great reports and the offer won't be forgotten. It's just I couldn't sacrifice going to Båstad for Gstaad, if I am in the same continent. I won't forget the offer.
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Post by Ilhame on Jul 8, 2004 3:11:32 GMT -5
Thanks for the great report and pics
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Post by ILR on Jul 8, 2004 6:51:26 GMT -5
Sorry I did not go online until very late today. I have forwarded the pix to Ilhame and Vera. Emma, I will send one pic at a time to your address. See if you receive any. Thanks Lee Yes, very close to Juanqui I see! Is it just me, or does it look like Rogi is wearing glasses in that pic? Its probably just me....and very cutw pic of you and Doris! The scenery behind you looks lovely too
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Post by ILR on Jul 8, 2004 6:52:30 GMT -5
OK, I know why Emma didn't get the pix, the e-mail address was wrong. I PMed Mrs. B the correct addy. Oh, thats strange, I thought Mrs.B had the right e mail addy because we've e mailed each other before and this is the one I use. Oh well, at least its sorted
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Post by The Chloe on Jul 8, 2004 11:33:05 GMT -5
Thanks for writing about your experiences, Mrs B
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Jul 9, 2004 11:01:22 GMT -5
i sent you the Juanqui pic too, Chloe.
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Jul 9, 2004 11:07:08 GMT -5
Thanks Lee Yes, very close to Juanqui I see! Is it just me, or does it look like Rogi is wearing glasses in that pic? Its probably just me....and very cutw pic of you and Doris! The scenery behind you looks lovely too that's a kinda weird pic of Rogi with those eyes he looks extraterrestrial. yes, Gstaad is quite scenic, isn't it? that whole valley is so lovely, in the winter it's pretty as a postcard. and it's only an hour away from Bern.
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Post by Francine on Jul 9, 2004 13:20:23 GMT -5
I didn't get no pictures Could someone forward them to me please :angel: Me wants to see Juanqui and Rogi as well ;D
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Post by Doris on Jul 9, 2004 13:25:03 GMT -5
Well guys as Mrs. B already pointed out I'm in Gstaad too. If you wan't to have some reports you might reed them in mtf (unfortunately I'm not able to log in there today the site just won't show up don't know why. Been having this problem quite often lately.....) All I can give you for the moment is todays report: Friday 8.7.2004 When I woke up this morning it was raining again and I already feared that play won't be started in time. But fortunately it cleared up so I went to the grounds early (mainly becouse my hotel is just right beside the tennis courts ) and seen Roger training with Yves Allegro on the otherside was Ivo Karlovic with I forgot who hehehe. Then on court 1 Rosset was training with Yves again (gee Yves really is busy too hehehe with all that training) on the otherside Novak and Stepanek. Well the weather really looked good till about 5 min to when the match between Roger and Ivo was supposed to start. There were again a few drops falling. Fortunately not enough so play startet at 11 pm. As expected the match was mainly just serving missed returns and not really that much playing. Still Roger looked good and he even was close to break Ivo in the first set but unfortunately failed. Then tb started pretty good for Roger he was up a minibreak and then all of a sudden this stuppid helicopter turned up. First we all thought he'll just passing buy but gee were we all wrong he was making about 3 circels around the court disturbing everybody especially Roger who just lost that minibreak and even worse got a minibreak down!!!!! Grrr there should be no such thing possible!! Otherwise who knows that first set might have been Rogers too. Fortunately he was able to break Ivo quite early in the second set. Still not much of a real play. And when the ball was in Roger usually made the point exept when Ivo went to the net - well I mean with two steps Ivo crosses the court so it was really hard for Roger to pass this guy. Still he made that second set. Third same still the same picture Ace, Service winner hardly any play. But this time Roger fortunately was able to win the tb (no helicopter around ) he could have made it in two but glad he made it in 3. Next up Rosset vs. Stepanek. Well what can I say. Rosset really had his chances to win this thing in two sets. But somehow he blew it. Well you really can see that he just doesn't like to play his bh he always tried to awoid it - with the result that he missed a few shots.... ... so no surprise he lost. As for the match between cutie Ruben Ramirez Hidalgo and Igor Andreev well only saw two games of it and got boored well it just was a fh slug festival - who can hit it harder. Not really much variety so I left again - too bad Ruben lost thoug oh well.. Then Novak against Starace was on. Haven't seen the beginning of the first set but that italian guy really was playing great. Great variety in the shots coming to the net, making some amazing dropshots Novak just never found his rythem. So it was a really intertaining match and I'm glad Starace won it. Next up was Roger against Radek. Well Roger really started good by taking the first set 6:1 in no time - o.k. I belive Radek got hurt somehow as he went out after the first set and returned compleately different for the second. Now the play wasn't as onesided anymore. Radek taking Roger to his limits by changing tactics and passing Roger pretty good sometimes. Still Roger had the chance to serve the set home but all of a sudden his first serve wasn't working anymore. he didn't make one first serve when serving at 5:4 and got broken right away as Radek attacked his second serves pretty good. Even worse Roger got broken a second time... Just as well Roger was able to break Radek in the very first game in the third set. And this time he even had chances to break again. But at least this time he held nerves and served the thing home!!! Good one Roger Oh did I mention that it was sold out today and the atmosphere really was great. Sure all the ppl were behind Roger but still fair enough to Radek who even thanked the public as well. Well haven't seen the match between Mantilla and Schuettler as they were moved to court 1 I stayed on RME as Rosset/Wawrinka were playing against the nr. 2 seeds Cermak/Freidl. And Wawrinka again was playing really good getting almost every ball back the threw at him. Of course Rosset's serve was helping too. Really enjoyed watching this double sort of made a nice end to the day. Well guess I haven't mentioned yet that they making a sound stage concert after the last matched played on REM this year. Not a bad idea just too bad for the bands that most ppl are leaving... so there's not really an ambiance. As for the players it's sort of harder to get close to them this year as the year before. Mainly becouse they changed the entrance to the court and they have a shorter walk to the lockerroom. Still the atmosphere is pretty relaxed and once in a while you still may pop in one or the other player.
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Post by Lee on Jul 9, 2004 13:38:10 GMT -5
I didn't get no pictures Could someone forward them to me please Me wants to see Juanqui and Rogi as well ;D If you PM me your addy, I can forward them to you.
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Post by Vera on Jul 9, 2004 13:40:25 GMT -5
Thx Doris for the report. Nice day for you to watch 2 Rogi matches and both long one . I have trouble with MTF too, I can't get to that site for the past 3 days. Is it their server problem or is it something fishy with my ISP?
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Post by Lee on Jul 9, 2004 13:42:24 GMT -5
Thx Doris for the report. Nice day for you to watch 2 Rogi matches and both long one . I have trouble with MTF too, I can't get to that site for the past 3 days. Is it their server problem or is it something fishy with my ISP? There are lots of software upgrade in MTF but I didn't have any problem getting in And Vera, check your PM
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Post by Vera on Jul 9, 2004 13:52:18 GMT -5
There are lots of software upgrade in MTF but I didn't have any problem getting in And Vera, check your PM I thought they might have change server and that would make my bookmark link not work. So I went to search for it on Google to make sure I got the right url. But I still can't open it. Oh well, so i guess no more MTF for me, at least for the time being until whenever it decides to work again. Guess that would spare me from reading Sjengster's Ferrero song .
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Post by TennisHack on Jul 9, 2004 15:21:10 GMT -5
Thanks for the report Doris! Sounds like Fed had some tough matches today. I was impressed to see him win two three-set matches today.
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