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Post by Ilhame on Feb 17, 2005 6:26:39 GMT -5
I think Francine covered our day quite well. I was actually in for the night session.  I went to court one for a bit hoping that Juanca would come warm up before his match, but no such luck.  I wanted to leave and ran into my friend who works here. We chatted for a while till she finished her shift. I drove her home and in the meantime watched some of Fed's match on a tv there. She got me in this morning. I'm not watching Ollie and Mario, but checked the practice courts. Dominik was there with the young Swede and Lopez-Verdasco were on the other court. I have a pic with Lopez and will return there now cause Tim is practising with Paradorn and Dominik is there with my beloved Llodra. I hope to get a pic today. |
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 17, 2005 7:13:58 GMT -5
Tim is not nice!!!! He's always in a hurry after practice. I needed someone to take a pic of me and him and it's blurry. Boooo!!!! He wanted to get away asap. Mika was a lot nicer! I've got my pic with him now. I kindly asked for it in French and was the only one btw. Paradorn is still practising and so are Knowles and Nestor. It seems Mario won and Tojo and Jojo will be on next. I'm not sure whether to watch them or Verdasco and Lopez in doubles. That's it for now. |
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Post by Francine on Feb 17, 2005 8:00:14 GMT -5
Ahh, remember how much time Tim took to sign yesterday? He even had tea with Kristie Boogert, no wonder he's had enough  I'm sorry I wasn't there to take the pic, I'm actually quite proud of the David and Roger piccies, I have a talent for photographing Ilhame + tennisplayers And yay for your pic with Mica! He's definitly one of my new faves after watching Seb with him yesterday and his fun training session with Rochus. |
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Post by Francine on Feb 17, 2005 8:47:39 GMT -5
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 17, 2005 9:02:46 GMT -5
 Francine I saw him leaving when I was talking to my friend at the door and he did look at me, but didn't say anything. Tidbits we forgot from yesterday My observing eyes saw Verdasco and Lopez entering centre court to watch Schalken and Pavel. Radek stalked us less then on monday. Juanca came late cause I didn't spot Andres till the last game of Schalken's match. The practice courts were closed for a while in order for the players to warm up for the night matches. Normally that happens on centre court, but the matches took too long. Krajicek and I had eye contact when I returned from the practice courts to centre court. I think that was it. |
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 17, 2005 9:06:05 GMT -5
There was a camera crew filming Paradorn this morning on the practice courts.
Fed came out with the young Swede and didn't take much time out for fans today. Wessels and Sluiter practised together. I have some pics that will hopefully look ok. On my last day here I finally learned how to use my camera. :red:
Here's some about Tojo v Jojo
Tojo just beat Jojo in a nice match. The big serve was there, but the groundstrokes let him down. He hit too many balls in the net while Tojo didn't. He made some fine winners, both actually, but less errors.
Fed will start at 3pm so I'll try to get a seat on court 1 in the mean time.
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Post by freudo on Feb 17, 2005 9:25:47 GMT -5
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Post by Brinyi on Feb 17, 2005 9:54:31 GMT -5
I blinked and I missed the first set. |
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Post by Brinyi on Feb 17, 2005 10:17:36 GMT -5
I blinked and I missed the first set. Second set is closer... |
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 17, 2005 10:46:58 GMT -5
I watched some of the second set between Lopez-Verdasco and Erlich-Ram. Lopez is actually quite good in doubles. The Spaniards had won the first set and played ok in the second. They didn't get any break chances and it went to a tb. They were a bit erratic and lost the tb. I then went to centre court and just found out they lost the third set. This afternoon Davydenko practised with Schalken and as usual I didn't recognize the players on the other practice court. When arriving on centre court I saw Fed had won the first set 6-1 and just broke in the second. He's still making too many errors in my opinion and has to do better if he wants to win the tournament. Wawrinka is a good player from what I could see. He has good groundstrokes and hit some nice returns. He couldn't break Roger back, but did well saving two matchpoints. Francine on one of the computers here you were still logged in on MTF. Don't forget to log out next time cause I did it for you. I forgot to mention that in Jojo's match in one of his service games one of the ball girls wasn't paying attention. He looked at her to give him some balls and she didn't give them. He waved at her with his racket and she still didn't notice it. He then turned around to the other ball boy. I wonder what this young girl was thinking of. ;D I just realised I haven't seen Rainer all week. He's playing doubles with Paradorn now and I'll check it out if I can find a seat. Play on centre court is over so I'm sure all people headed to court 1. |
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Post by Brinyi on Feb 17, 2005 11:03:28 GMT -5
Interesting -- I just read that Paradorn is traveling for the first time without his dad. He is apparently there with TJ Middleton, so Middleton appears to be moving into the coach role.
If you see Paradorn, please ask him to clarify. Many thanks in advance. ;D
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Post by RogiFan on Feb 17, 2005 11:21:29 GMT -5
Report Wednesday:... I met up with my family for the evening matches. We first went to see the double on court 1 and left after the first set to see Roger’s match. This was quite an entertaining match, Ulihrach played well and had chances to break early on, but Roger started playing better didn’t give any chances away anymore. He broke one in each set and didn’t have any trouble in his own service games anymore. He probably had a rusty start because this was his first indoor match in a long time but I really can’t see anyone stopping him from winning the tournament. Ferrero vs. Stepanek . Juan Carlos didn’t stand a chance in the first set, Stepanek was serving to well and JC made a few errors early on to get broken which costed him the set. The second set was amazing. Juan Carlos broke and leaded 5-2 when he was broken back again. At the end of the set both players played incredibly well, long rallies which I was happy to see Juan Carlos win at the decisive moments. The crowd really got into it, I was happy to see about 95% supported Fererro ;D He won the tiebreak 8-6 after fighting off two matchpoints. At this moment my parents wanted to leave because they had an early morning the next day. I won’t get into details but ended up swearing I would never go to a tournament with them again and they called me a spoiled unthankful brat. They don’t quite understand my tennis fascination and making me go home at this point in Fererro’s match was cruel. I found out he lost when we got home  Stepanek played really well, especially in the first set. I thought JC was going to lose in two sets and his comeback in the 2nd set was a positive surprise. I hope he can take a lot of positive things out of that set because it seemed to me he was his old self again except for not serving it out in the end maybe. So that was Rotterdam for me, I'm jealous Ilhame gets to go again today. Sorry you don't get to see Juanca We looked for him yesterday but he didn't show his face at the training courts at all. Thank you, Francine, for your report and for giving me a little ray of hope that Juanqui is starting to find his form. I also thank you for the great pix you took of Ilhame and boys!  Parents! I just leave my parents sitting in fr of a Rogi 2-hr practice session! During the Guga/Guille practice session I go wandering and leave them to watch [and that's how I get Rogi's autograph on his bio by chance! ;D]. Well, too bad you missed Juanqui's 3rd set cos I wanted to know first-hand what happened to him. Glad you enjoyed Rogi/Bog match -- so you think Rogi can win it? He needs to step it up first tho... esp if he has to play Ancic or Henman or even Kolya, who's been playing quite well so far this year. |
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Post by Francine on Feb 17, 2005 12:14:43 GMT -5
Francine on one of the computers here you were still logged in on MTF. Don't forget to log out next time cause I did it for you. Here's some about Tojo v Jojo Tojo just beat Jojo in a nice match. The big serve was there, but the groundstrokes let him down. He hit too many balls in the net while Tojo didn't. He made some fine winners, both actually, but less errors. Lol, thanks for that, I hadn't realized the cookies would save my name. Dutch tv showed Fed's match and the complete Johansson match  Thomas played well, he was serving great. I hope he'll play like this against Stepanek tomorrow. Thank you, Francine, for your report and for giving me a little ray of hope that Juanqui is starting to find his form. I also thank you for the great pix you took of Ilhame and boys! Parents! I just leave my parents sitting in fr of a Rogi 2-hr practice session! During the Guga/Guille practice session I go wandering and leave them to watch [and that's how I get Rogi's autograph on his bio by chance! ;D]. Well, too bad you missed Juanqui's 3rd set cos I wanted to know first-hand what happened to him. Glad you enjoyed Rogi/Bog match -- so you think Rogi can win it? He needs to step it up first tho... esp if he has to play Ancic or Henman or even Kolya, who's been playing quite well so far this year. I think Juanca made a few decisive errors again in the 3rd set, just as in the 1st. Stepanek really made no errors at all, so Juan Carlos had to fight for every point and was hanging in there throughout the whole match, one bad game probably cost him the match. Roger won easily again today and from what I saw he played well. He did have a few difficult service games though, so maybe a better player will take advantage of that. |
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 17, 2005 12:21:03 GMT -5
There were two people with Paradorn here. A Thai and someone else. He hit with the non-tai person this morning before Henman joined him. Unfortunately this was my last day here and I won't be able to ask for a clarification. I did notice early in the week that his father isn't around. I think it's good for him to try something else.
I have to say that my observing eyes weren't in full function today. I couldn't spot Mirka in the stands. ;D
Rainer and Paradorn just lost as expected, but not without a fight. Rainer hit some nice return winners and him and Paradorn seemed to enjoy themselves on court. The place was packed so I came in at the start of the second set. You won't guess what IMO was the highlight of that doubles match. The umpire! ;D
Lahyani is HOT and he actually wasn't around on the other days. Too bad he left so quick after the doubles match, cause that's a man I want a pic with!
I'll check my pics when I get home and if they're ok then I'll post a few.
Fingers crossed that I can make it to RG and report to you again.
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Post by Brinyi on Feb 17, 2005 12:42:03 GMT -5
Thanks Ilhame! I assume the non-Thai was Middleton. I wonder who the Thai was? Hmmmm!
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Post by TennisHack on Feb 17, 2005 17:06:37 GMT -5
I didn’t recognize Thomas at first, he was wearing his cap backwards and looked like one of those homies from Kriss Kross (jump jump) luckily Ilhame did ;D. LOL So happy to see him win today! Ugh, I hope he isn't having more injury problems!  He played another long match today. It's been nice to see him post these three-set scores, win or lose. Fabulous! This is good news indeed. He's said he's trying to be more positive this season and is realistic about what he has to do to get his ranking back. Closing out matches will come with confidence. I'm SO glad to hear he played well and won the set even though he couldn't serve it out. Thanks |
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Post by TennisHack on Feb 17, 2005 17:12:59 GMT -5
Mika was a lot nicer! I've got my pic with him now. I kindly asked for it in French and was the only one btw. Yay! I've still to see what this fascination with him is, but he sounds really nice. I'm really happy to see his progression in the singles as well. When I saw him in Cincy his backcourt game was really weak. Sounds like you guys had a lot of fun this week! Thanks for sharing with us  I look forward to more pics ;D Francine you are a good photographer! ;D Just think what we could produce if we all were at an event together |
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Post by Choupi on Feb 17, 2005 18:24:22 GMT -5
Thanks for your great reports Francine and Ilhame. Ilhame, I'm glad you've finally been able to have your pic with Mika... |
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Post by freudo on Feb 18, 2005 8:45:50 GMT -5
will miss your reports Ilame and Francine...when/where will the pictures be? yea you got one with your Mika
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 18, 2005 11:19:06 GMT -5
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 18, 2005 11:23:10 GMT -5
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Post by freudo on Feb 18, 2005 11:29:23 GMT -5
love the pics...i may have seen the ones at MTF but will go check in case i missed a few...iin the first two people are watching you being photographed with admiration and awe, the second one is :)you with Flopez? Berdych? ah, me checked, Thomas, must be Berdych then...looks cute...Mika likes you too, molds his body close |
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Post by Francine on Feb 18, 2005 12:42:22 GMT -5
Nice pics So the one with Tim didn't work out at all? We don't mind a blurry Tim you know |
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Feb 18, 2005 12:57:29 GMT -5
Thanks, Ilhame & Francine.
The pics are great, & Feli looks fine. 'felicious!' ;D
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Rosie
New Member
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Post by Rosie on Feb 18, 2005 16:27:41 GMT -5
Thanks for your reports girls. As we have since discovered, I was in many of the same places at the same time as you - just didn't get a chance to meet up  But I did like Rotterdam as a venue, so if David returns there next year I will definately go back. And yes - I did see you having that picture taken Ilhame!!! Must say I am very jealous you were "stalked" by the lovely Radek though - so many female tennis fans will be so heartbroken that you were chosen instead of them! |
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Post by Choupi on Feb 18, 2005 17:15:14 GMT -5
Ilhame, thanks for the pics...I'm so happy for you about the one with Mika...though I'm sure that the Feli one will rise some jealous feelings among some female posters... |
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Post by Patrik Sjöberg on Feb 19, 2005 0:30:57 GMT -5
Thanks to our Dutch correspondents for these reports, they were very much appreciated.
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 20, 2005 6:54:32 GMT -5
I'm typing this from a computer at the Tennis Plaza. ;D My friend got me past the gate once again and I'll look for a seat later. I hope they don't have extra check ups today cause otherwise I'll be forced to stay in front of a tv screen here instead of inside the stadium. There are tennis clinics going on right now and Sluiter and Siemerink are participating in them. I forgot to tell you earlier this week that the local tv station is doing all kinds of interviews with players. The first one was with Rogi and Kristie Boogert met up with him at his hotel. He's not staying in the official player's hotel, but elsewhere. She asked him what it's like to have Mirka travelling with him. He's very happy about that cause since she has played herself, she knows what he's going through. He's glad that he's doing so well and earning so much money cause he can pay for her to accompany him everywhere. That was real sweet of him to say imo. She also asked how he feels about media attention. He likes it and only gives interviews etc. when he feels like it. He didn't feel obliged to do the interview with Kristie, he just wanted to. He's a smart and nice man and I can definitely tell see why everybody likes him. There was a pic in the Daily Bulletin of Richard, Mario and Rohan Goetzke. It was nice to see the coach with his pupil and former pupil. Kristie met up with him and they practised together. He's an Aussie living in Holland and he likes it here. He does miss Australia a bit though. He likes working with Mario and he thinks they can achieve some things and that in a way he's similar to Richard. It's funny to hear him speak Dutch. ;D I missed the part of Henman getting a cup of tea. I only saw it being filmed. I'll look out for any reruns this week cause Kristie is usually quite funny in these interviews. |
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Post by Partridge In A Pear Tree on Feb 20, 2005 7:02:25 GMT -5
you lucky girl! ;D
Enjoy the day and looking forward to more details, later!
Roger's a good guy. i just don't understand why people say he's arrogant when he's just being honest...you can't find a more accessible, down to earth no. 1 player like that and talks to the media in 4 languages!
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Post by Ilhame on Feb 20, 2005 7:04:45 GMT -5
I also don't understand the talks about him being arrogant. Honesty and arrogance are different things, which some people just can't see.
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I went to court one for a bit hoping that Juanca would come warm up before his match, but no such luck. 
I wanted to leave and ran into my friend who works here. We chatted for a while till she finished her shift. I drove her home and in the meantime watched some of Fed's match on a tv there. She got me in this morning.
I'm sorry I wasn't there to take the pic, I'm actually quite proud of the David and Roger piccies, I have a talent for photographing Ilhame + tennisplayers 
Parents! 
Thomas played well, he was serving great. I hope he'll play like this against Stepanek tomorrow.
He played another long match today. It's been nice to see him post these three-set scores, win or lose.
I look forward to more pics ;D
