RG 05, Wednesday May 25th

[Choupi]

I'm finally back, after my adventures in Paris. With my head still full of great tennis and funny moments, even magical with some players...

But that day had really really badly begun... We were going with some friends -the same who had come with me to the DC in Strasbourg. We had booked our tickets through a local tennis club which was organizing the trip. We were all very excited when entering the bus. Thinking that we would get to finally meet players we eagerly wanted to meet. It was Arnaud Clément for 1 one the friends. No need to tell you who it was for me!

We were supposed to arrive very early in RG, around 10am. Just for the opening of the doors. The matches were beginning at 11am. So that was perfect! In our dreams only! Some ppl have come late to take the bus so we've waited for them. And then, a terrible car crash on the highway blocked us for almost 1 hour at the door of Paris...We arrived in RG at 10.55am, getting out of the bus. Thankfully, we already had our tickets! Because, otherwise, unless being very rich to afford a ticket from those guys trying to sell some at the door, it was needless hoping about getting through the gates. Yet, having our passes didn't prevent from queuing to enter! I was biting my nails so hard. I knew that Gaston's match was beginning at 11am. Was ignoring about Tursunov's withdrawal! We finished to queue and finally entered. We ran to Court N° 2, around 11.45am. But, when we've wanted to enter the court, many ppl were going out of it. I asked if the match was already over. They replied there was nobody on the court. It was like in the twilight zone! To tell you the truth, I haven't realized straight what had happened. I was first thinking that the match must have been transfered to another court. So we went to see the schedule on the big info walls at the entrance. That's where I've learned that the fulfilling of my dream had been cancelled...Frustration, disgust...anger, that was how I felt at that moment. I kept a very small hope in my head to get a chance to see him practising...which, at the end of the day, finally never came true.

[Choupi]

OK. 2nd part of my report. When we saw we couldn't see the matches we wanted to see, we decided to go and check where our seats were situated on the Chatrier Court. And I have to admit that they were really well placed. That's where the day started to brighten up a bit...We were sitting on an angle, Just above the VIPs loundge, right at the opposite of the scoreboard. So no need to move our head to follow the ball, no stiff neck in perspective! It was noon and we were starving so we stayed there, watching Venus, eating our sandwiches. I can tell you that for somebody who doesn't like to hear her screams on tv, it's absolutely awful to bear them live!!!!!! But I was a bit lazy to go and sit somewhere else to eat...Then, it was Mary Pierce's turn. My friends said they wanted to see her match. Having had my count of women's tennis for the whole day, I decided to go and see Henman's match, as I had promised a friend I'd take some pics for him. The bad day came and haunted again...when I discovered that my pass didn't allow me entrance on Court N°1, so no chance to see Tim play. Firmly determined to enjoy that special day, inspite of all those annoying circumstances, I've wandered around, checking who was still playing and I ended up at the players's entrance. It was so quiet, surprising! I was alone, patiently waiting for official cars to enter. That's where my patience had been rewarded. I saw Roger and Mirka arrive. I took some pics but didn't mean to bother them. I'm a reasonable tennis fan after all...When I think that I was there, alone, close to the World N°1, it makes me smile. Because, less than1 hour later, I was on the Place des Mousquetaires, and I've been almost treaded upon by a hord of fans surrounding Roger, going to the Chatrier Court! Anyway, I went back to join my friends and we met while they were leaving the court, Pierce's match being so boring...We checked to see who was playing and our choice fell on Mantilla vs Novak. Highly influenced by me, as my friends were ignoring who Felix was. I told them that he was a great claycourter and they would like to see him play. The court was overcrowded, so we stood outside, watching up above the wall. They were at the very beginning of the 4th set. The match was tight. I took many pics of Felix, between my "Vamos". I was happy to see that, even if ill-treated by Jiri, he didn't seem to give up, and kept fighting, as the warrior he is. He's very demonstrative on the court. Talking much between the points. Anyway,all good things having an end, we left him at the end of the 4th set, as Pierce having been expeditive, it was Gasquet's turn. And we absolutely wanted to see him play...

We went back to the Chatrier Court. Being French, having the opportunity to follow the match of one of the current Frenchy faves is sthg really special. Difficult to explain, but a wonderfull experience. Both Wessels and Richard were playing well. Wesels even broke Richard, coming more often to the net. But it was without counting on his fighting spirit, much encouraged in this by the crowd, me included! Vilas has watched a big part of the match, I guess he left at the beginning of the 3rd set. He was sitting next to C. Bim. At the end of the match, when Richard had his match point, the crowd was like mad. The kids, as there were many in the stands, were very noisy, but it wasn't as annoying as I thought it would be. Richard has even contributed to arrouse them, making the show with some incredible points and passing shots, demonstrating his joy to share it with the crowd. The following match was Nadal. But we wanted to see Clément play doubles with Bachelot, for our friend who had come to see him. So we left for the court where they were playing.

It was a small court, already overcrowded. We have waited outside for the 1st set, desperatly hoping that ppl would go out, but we quit after the 1st set, lost by our Frenchies...We decided, against all odds, to go back on the Chatrier, to see Nadal. My friend trying to console herself with the fact that I had survived not see Gaston...Well, what can be said about that match between Nadal and Malisse? That I was totally neutral when I entered the court, and that I ended up rooting for Malisse, due to Nadal's behaviour on the court, after great points, it was annoying for me! And I haven't been alone in that case. As most of the kids, who had been quiet for Richard's match, had woken up and were all screaming " Vamos Rafael", many ppl have tried to encourage Xavier, me included. He was really deserving our support, because, first, Nadal had already enough for him, and second because he was trying to give his best to come back when broken. And he also tried to make the show on some points. It was some comedy sometimes, when he missed some points that looked easy to win. He acted like some comic actor and that was great to see! He seduced part of the crowd with that and, Nadal, keeping on with his winner attitude, hasn't helped the atmosphere getting quieter. It's the 1st time I see a player, winning the match, leaving the Chatrier Court, booed by part of the crowd. I can't say I did agree with that situation. But I can understand why it happened. Last detail over that match...Vilas hasn't come to see it. Only Gasquet got that honour!

Then came the time of the big tradition we have wanted to launch. And I guess we're gonna keep it for the years to come. It was really hot and we went to have our Haagen Dasz, on the Place des Mousquetaires. Not much to tell about this, you could say. Not much, you're right. Except that we weren't the only one to be admirers of that ice cream...Just before me, there was Berdych with his GF. He didn't seem to be annoyed by his loss against David earlier in the morning. On the contrary. But I won't give anymore details, as I consider it is part of his private life! Anyway, it was kids's day at RG. So, it didn't take long to some kids to spot that there was a player, waiting there, to buy an ice cream. Of course, kids being how they are, he's been asked for some photos. That's how I've had my Haagen Dasz quicker than expected! Thanks the kids!!!! The poor Tomas, he looked embarrassed because they didn't leave him alone. But hey, he's famous, and he should have known that he would take that risk, on the Place des Mousquetaires.

The time to leave was slowly approaching. But we wanted to really make the most of that day. So we watched some of the match of Navratilova/Sanchez-Vicario. We got bored really quick! Women's tennis isn't my cup of tea. But I have to confess that doubles is the bottom of the abyss! That's where we decided to wander around the courts where there was still some game going on. And we fell on Gonzalez vs Behrend. On a very small court. But how great! This time there wasn't overcrowd so we watched the 3rd set, right against the court. No need to tell you that Fernando has been shot by us, with our cameras, on many angles! He seemed to be appreciating! As we got several smiles, when he came to receive the balls from the ball boys, coming in our direction. So we felt quite obliged to shout some "vamos", to thank him of his nice attentions! Unfortunately, the time to leave to catch our bus was close and we had to leave him, just before he served for the match.

The place where the appointment was settled was situated near the players'entrance. And I told my friends, as our bus didn't seem to be already arrived, that it was the last chance for us to happen to see some players. They weren't convinced but followed me anyway. That was the cherry on the cake! My friend, the Clément fan, has been rewarded. Arnaud was standing there, with his gf, waiting for a car. We took some pics, I've had him sign my book of RG 2004, under his photo - it made him smile! So Tay, I kept my promise, I'm gonna scan it for you! We exchanged some words...and then his car arrived. Believe me or not, but it wasn't an official car. It was a rent car, with his mum, coming to take him! It was really funny. But at least, one person of our group had been able to fulfill her dream...We entered the bus, with many thoughts and images on our mind, firmly determined to come back next year.

[Ilhame]

Thanks for a great report, mine will follow this weekend. I'm still recovering

[Francine]

Thanks Choupi! I'm sorry you didn't get to see Gaston play, that must've been a real dissapointment

[fatboy aphex]

Great stuff, Choupi!

[The Chloe]

I'm not surprised they booed Rafa. They were just getting warmed up for tomorrow.

[TennisHack]

Thanks for the report, Choupi! Sounds like you had a good day despite missing Gaston

choupi said:

I ended up rooting for Malisse, due to Nadal's behaviour on the court, after great points, it was annoying for me! And I haven't been alone in that case.

I know what you mean, I find him obnoxious on court as well.

[Lee]

Thanks for the report, Choupi!

Sorry you didn't see Gaudio played!

[Ilhame]

This year I finally got to go to RG again. I left early on Saturday morning and checked into my hotel at around 1.30 p.m. This day was about shopping only for me. Unfortunately there wasn’t much interesting for sale and I only bought a pair of slippers. For those who know me, that’s nothing. It was windy, but the weather was nice. A whole lot better then I expected it to be. After a few hours of shopping I got tired and went back to my hotel for a rest. After a quick nap I went to the Champs Elysées. I still had to buy my ticket for charity day. When walking on the Champs Elysées I started to get the RG feeling. I’ve seen Andy walking by with some guys. He was wearing a Lacoste jacket, jeans, sneakers and black sunglasses. When entering the Virgin Mega store I saw Kim and bf coming out. She bought some stuff there. She wore a jeans skirt, blouse and boots. She looked great! After buying my tennis ticket I saw her walking by again. Jarkko and gf also passed me. They weren’t going so fast since the girl was on crutches. Other players I saw that evening were Svetlana and Wayne Arthurs. I had a quick dinner and not so long after that I went back to my hotel. I hardly slept the night before cause I was so excited and walked too much.

On Sunday I woke up early and got to the stadium around 10.30 a.m. I decided to take a quick walk around the place before meeting the girls. Meghan and Daniela were practicing on court 4. I took a quick pic and left. I saw Dinara practicing, took a few pics and then left. On court 13 I saw Max. I also saw Verdasco, i think it was with Max.

The girls remembered what I looked like so I didn’t have to wait for too long. We walked around the place and sat down for a while to watch Nikolay practice. He was on the same court as two women whose names have just slipped my mind. After that we saw Mario. He’s so cute! I had seen him a few times before at other tournaments so we went further. We didn’t seen many interesting players after that. I had to meet Paul at noon for my Monday ticket and the girls went further.

Paul is the greatest! If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have made it to Paris. We chatted for a few minutes and then I went further. I saw the girls again when watching Lindays and Nadia. By that time Bea also showed up. She was a bit late. We watched them a bit, chatted a bit, took a few pics and went further.

The next player we saw was Carlos. Bea really wanted to see him, but it wasn’t meant to be. My observing eyes saw Marat on the court next to this one so off we went. Personally I was very happy cause my dream was coming true. The main reason I went to the French Open was to see Marat. I hadn’t seen him since Bercy 2001 so it was about time. He didn’t seem in the best of moods and his shots weren’t going the way he wanted them to. It was pretty obvious. I didn’t really care cause what mattered to me is that I was sitting in the first row watching him and taking pics. I’ve got plenty and he was nice enough to come into our direction all the time. I was really talking to myself at the time lol. His hair also isn’t as bad as it looks on tv actually. It seems we were a bit late for his practice cause we’ve only seen like 10 minutes of it. He left quickly and was followed by many fans. I saw Peter after practice and asked him whether Marat was practicing a second time. He said that Marat would only play the doubles match.

The doubles match was still an hour away so we went to watch Kim and Nastya on the Lenglen. We had good seats here. We managed to chat and watch. The girls were playing some nice rallies, but the set was rather one-sided. Nastya won it 6-1 I think. The crowd seemed to like it and the girls as well. Between games they would get a drink and stand by the side of the umpire chatting. I saw the famous split by Kim and have to say Nastya looked fab!

To get good seats for the doubles we had to search hard. We did find good seats after about 15 minutes. We were lucky that Roddick’s match was still on. I can’t remember it cause my brain wasn’t interested in it. This doubles match was a pleasant surprise. All players got a big applause when entering. Especially Steffi, which is totally understandable. The girls warmed up a bit before the guys came and joined them. I don’t even remember all the things they did on court, but it was VERY entertaining. Marat was funny as always. He really had a thing going on with Justine on court, it was funny. It was like every time he got booed on court, one of her shots had something to do with it. After a few games the guys played against the girls. This was even funnier. For some reason they didn’t play a full set. It was nice nonetheless. Once again I took pics and made a video. I’ve got Marat’s on court interview.

As some of you know I once said that I was going to propose to Marat if I ever met him. Since it was too crowded around his practice, I had to find another opportunity. We talked about it during the doubles match and before he served Bea called him and I popped the question. He was sooooo focussed on serving that he didn’t even look up. I’ll personally kill him if he ever has concentration problems again!!! I later found out Paul did hear it and he was sitting on the other side of the court.
After this match Elisabeth and Steph stayed on center court and Bea and I went further. We watched James Blake for a bit. I saw a woman on the other side of the court who looked familiar. Later I found out it was indeed Mrs. B. We also saw Rafa and Feli practicing, but there were just too many people. Juanca was on court 10 where we stayed for a while. There were many people, but I did manage to take some pics, of Andres as well. Me likes Andres!
Another place we visited was where the autograph sessions are being held. Patty was there and Nico and Fernando Gonzalez were playing tennis with the kids. Adidas was really present that day. After this we met the girls again, but I don’t remember whether this was before or after the Andreev match we talked through. I really don’t remember a single point! That’s how great Bea is!!!

I remember we wanted to watch the legends doubles on Lenglen, but it was too crowded. We had seats with no view so we left again, albeit a bit disappointed. We were lucky to catch the second legends doubles on center court. Leconte and Forget played against Bahrami and Pioline. No need to explain how funny they are! It rained a bit during this match, but the sun came out again soon. Once again Bea and I were chatty. The people behind us complained

After this match we went for a last tour around the stadium. There were no interesting players practicing apart from Mago, but the court was packed. After a wonderful and very sunny day we left the stadium.

I was meeting Mrs. B that evening to give her tickets. Bea and Steph walked with me to her hotel. We chatted some more and made new plans to meet. Mrs. B and I had a drink at her hotel first. We saw Marion Bartoli, who’s staying there, and her coach. It seems Spadea and Behrend were also staying there. After a while we went to the Champs Elysees for dinner. We sat in the same restaurant as Ivanovic and her parents. She is really pretty and was well dressed. Yves Allegro and gf were also there. At the restaurant next to the one where we ate, we saw Massu coming out and Canas as well. We took a walk on the Champs Elysées before heading back to our hotels. It was past midnight and I needed the sleep! It actually wasn’t till then that I noticed my face got burnt. I didn’t expect it to be so warm.

On Monday I dressed for the good weather and once again was there around 10.30. I took a walk around the place first. I saw Elena just walking away from her practice. I really wanted to see her, but she was gone so fast. I went to court 1, which I had a ticket for, and watched a tiny bit of Kim. I got an sms from Steph, who had the oop for me, and off I was. I saw Loit practising and Dinara came out afterwards. We were a bit on the look out for Marat, but no luck. I saw a lady sitting on a bench who looked a bit familiar. I approached her and asked if she was from the UK. She was and indeed I recognised Rosie. We chatted for a while and then went to watch David practice. I missed half the practice cause the convo was interesting. By the end of the practice I saw Paul again and also Michelle G. It was really nice meeting everybody!

I met with Mrs. B again in the afternoon. We both wanted to see Nalby who was playing on court 6. We had to get there early if we wanted a seat. We watched the women’s match before it. I went for a toilet break and to check the practice courts quickly. I saw Gaudio on one court and Guga on the one next to it, I’ve also seen Frazier and Koubek. I wanted to go back to court 6. I stood there for more then 15 minutes and didn’t move an inch.

I decided to go to court 1 and see a bit of Dinara. It wasn’t her day and I only saw the last games of her match. She was erratic and played against an inspired French girl. After this I went to court 6 again. It took me an hour to get in there, but it was worth the wait. I had seen Marcos on tv before and liked what I saw. David’s a guy I’ve only seen in practice before and watching him on clay is a dream come true. The match was entertaining and did have some nice rallies and winners from both guys. I missed the bagel, but was quite surprised about it. Later I found out why it took David so long to get into the match. We left half way through the third set. I noticed he wore black briefs under white shorts. It looked a bit like the pic of Rafa’s ass.

We really needed a bathroom break and I was in for another surprise at RG. At the booth of Al Jazeera Sports I saw Karim Alami. He’s the only Moroccan I hadn’t seen yet. I always loved him. I asked him for a pic. He was wearing a suit and looked HOT!!!

Mrs. B and I walked around for a bit and then sat down on a bench. Rosie joined us after David had won and we ran into Steph and Elisabeth again. We chatted for a while and it was fun as usual. After an hour or so Mrs. B went back to her hotel and Rosie as well. I wanted to go around the place one last time before leaving. I watched the start of the fifth set between Verdasco and Soderling. It was too boring and I left again. I finished my round and left the stadium. I had a drink with Mrs. B at her hotel and said goodbye to her afterwards.
I was disappointed not to have seen Marat again on Monday, but it was a great day! I missed him, Moya (court 2 was packed), missed out on Dementieva (was watching something else I think). This trip was mainly about Marat and seeing him was the most important thing. It was short, but wonderful. I’ve already seen all my other faves in Holland.

On Tuesday I went to buy some stuff for my family and had a drink with Bea. I finally have the Bercy final!

I am soooooooooo going again next year!!!

[Choupi]

Thanks for sharing Ilhame. It seems I haven't been the only one to have had a great time in Paris!

[TennisHack]

Wow, thanks for the gossip, Ilhame! Allow me a shallow moment

ilhame said:

When entering the Virgin Mega store I saw Kim and bf coming out. She bought some stuff there. She wore a jeans skirt, blouse and boots. She looked great! After buying my tennis ticket I saw her walking by again. Jarkko and gf also passed me. They weren’t going so fast since the girl was on crutches.

What does her boyfriend look like? She's been rumored to be attached to a few different guys

Hmm, I wonder what happened to Anu? I also wonder if they ever got married?

Juanca was on court 10 where we stayed for a while. There were many people, but I did manage to take some pics, of Andres as well. Me likes Andres!

Me too Ever since Kiro spoiled us with pics from China last year...

I saw Karim Alami. He’s the only Moroccan I hadn’t seen yet. I always loved him. I asked him for a pic. He was wearing a suit and looked HOT!!!

Wow!!

Well I'm glad you had a good time and met some of the great people from this board and MTF. The tennis world really is small

[Francine]

ilhame said:

As some of you know I once said that I was going to propose to Marat if I ever met him. Since it was too crowded around his practice, I had to find another opportunity. We talked about it during the doubles match and before he served Bea called him and I popped the question. He was sooooo focussed on serving that he didn’t even look up. I’ll personally kill him if he ever has concentration problems again!!! I later found out Paul did hear it and he was sitting on the other side of the court.

At least you tried!

I'm glad you had such a great time, reading this I'm only more determined to get there one day myself

[TennisHack]

Choupi's pictures

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Gasquet%20&%20Wessels.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Gasquet.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Gonzo%201.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Gonzo%202.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Gonzo%203.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Malisse.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Malisse%202.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Malisse%203.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Malisse%204.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Nadal%20&%20Malisse.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Nadal%20&%20Malisse%202.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Nadal%20&%20Malisse%203.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Nadal%20&%20Malisse%204.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Nadal%20&%20Malisse%205.jpg

tennishack12.bravepages.com/ChoupiRGpics/Nadal%201.jpg


...and my personal favorite

[TennisHack]

Hopefully the links work -- c/p them into a new browser if not. I didn't post them all like the Clement picture because it would have made the page take forever to load.

[The Chloe]

Nice picture of Clement!

The links didn't all really work, but copying and pasting was fine.

Thanks for the Rafa pics, Choupie! You can see how magnific.... erm, nevermind. I'm disgusting.

That is all.

[Choupi]

Hackie, I guess that your favourite pic is fave for many others, from what I've heard so far, each time I've shown them!

Chloe, I like Rafael's game and I'm happy to have been able to see him play live like I did. But it's the attitude that I really dislike.

[The Chloe]

I like the attitude ;D

[Partridge In A Pear Tree]

RG 2005 - Mrs. B’s Report

I’m trying to do this by memory, and I hope I’m not forgetting many things…

I arrived in Paris on Sunday afternoon around 1:30 pm, took the metro and after checking into my hotel just off Porte de St. Cloud, I walked to Roland Garros. It’s about a kilometer away and i got there around 3 pm. There was no queue and I bought a ticket for 17 euro, then I was inside the premises. They checked my bag, but not thoroughly.

The first thing I saw was the Center Court building. Having seen it so many times on tv, you’d recognize it instantly. As it was the Benny Berthet Day, one can have access to all courts and I climbed those stairs and I found myself looking down at the world’s most famous clay court. Elena Bovina was warming up with a young girl (don’t remember the name) but I didn’t stay to watch them, i left and checked out the other courts. At court no. 5 James Blake was practicing. Some Spanish speaking coaches were standing there and I thought the woman with them was michelleg. I went up to court no. 1, which looked like a bullring, sat there and waited for the exhibition match, but I was impatient. I just wanted to see as much as I could. Place was closing up at 7 pm. I saw Ilhame walk in with another girl (Ilhame didn’t see me but I recognized her, and the girl she was with turned out to be Bea) and they sat close to the court. They were animated in their conversation (prolly discussing Marat? ;D ) and I didn’t want to intrude. I would see her later in the evening. Then I went to court no. 2. Justine Henin was practicing. I’ve seen her play in Zürich indoors but she is awesome on clay and sitting so close to the court you really feel her power. I went back to the Philippe Chartrier Court where Guga was supposed to have an exhibition with Monfils, but instead it was Santoro against the young black Frenchman. It was a fun match and the crowd enjoyed it.
I saw Venus Williams practice on court 7. She has the longest legs I’ve ever seen! Her mom was also there, picking up a ball or two languidly. Oracene had earphones on and she would bop her head to some notes.
When Venus’ time was up Koubek and Hanescu came .
On the opposite court, no. 9, Rafa Nadal and Feli Lopez were practicing. It was very crowded. Guess everyone wanted to see the new kid on the block.
I was tired from my trip (had Interclub Saturday) and slept only for 4 hours so I decided to walk back to my hotel and rest. Ilhame called and she came to the hotel and we had drinks at the lobby and she also gave me my tickets for Monday & Tuesday. Big thanks to Frogburger for getting them!
Then we went to Champs Ellysee and had dinner at an Italian resto. She recognized Ana Ivanovic who was sitting on the opposite side of our table looking very pretty in pink. We saw Yves Allegro leaving the restaurant with his girlfriend, and outside Massu and companyeros passed by. We also saw Willy Canas. We walked the avenue but it was drizzling and I felt cold but the place was lively as there were football fans on the opposite side of the street making a lot of noise and cars were honking.

On Monday the opening day I got there around 11 a.m. (doors open at 10) and having worked my way in the long queue, went straight to court no. 2 where Moya was scheduled to play against Martin. Carlos will always be a sentimental fave and I was glad to finally see him in person. After the first set I went to see Paradorn Srirapchan play Stepanek on court 6 but didn’t stay that long. I checked some games from Ancic v. Daniel then I sat at the 4 Musketeers place between the center court and court 1 where the big scoreboard is, and ate my lunch while watching Roger's match on the big screen just under the center court. Ilhame rang up and we decided to go watch David’s match and went there earlier to find good seats. The Japanese girl Nakamura v. Cervanova were playing and it turned out to be longer than I expected as they played 3 sets. Ilhame left and I tried to keep her seat but an English bloke sermoned me that it’s not like that in Europe & that my friend was gone for more than an hour so other people are entitled to sit there. I let some ladies sit meanwhile and they said they’ve leave if Ilhame got back. Well finally it was Nalbandian & Bagdatis turn on court and the place was full. Bagdatis played brilliant in the first set and was firing massive forehand shots. He has also very good hands and moves quickly on court. He smiled a lot and seemed to be enjoying his moments. Well, you know the rest. David won that match in 4. When Ilhame finally found her way back we watched the 2nd & 3rd set and we went to the Suzanne Lenglen court. I asked one of the ushers to let me see the stadium for a few moments and he kindly obliged. Then we went to the back courts to check out who was playing and Ilhame asked some journalists and tv crew when the players were practicing. Oh, before that we also saw Marat’s mom checking out the girls’ matches carrying a plastic bag full of munches inside. ;D
We sat to rest in one of the benches and Rosie came out after David’s match and she looked relieved. She said she was nervous during his match. So we sat there on the bench, the 3 of us and talked for a bit. Ilhame’s Marat buddies also stopped to chat. Well I was tired so I decided to go back to my hotel. Later Ilhame came and we ate junk food from McDonalds and had a drink at the lobby.
On Tuesday i saw Ai Sugiyama play Nuria Llagostera Vives. That was a great match and the Spanish girl played really well. Typical claycourter. Afterwards it was Ljubicic v. Puerta. The lefty Argentine hits his forehand ala Gonzo. Llubi was playing flat and didn’t look comfortable on court. I left after the first set to go see Wawrinka's match against Massu. I arrived in the middle of the first set and had a seat two rows behind the sideline. Wawrinka’s supporters were there, and I saw Yves Allegro come and sat on the same row as me. Even Maggie Maleeva was there. She seems to know the Swiss French group as her sister is married to one and lives in Switzerland. Stan was playing well and sometimes Massu would be frustrated. But Stan has a temper and he needs to control it and he keeps glancing at his team every point. Well he’s only 20 and hopefully he’ll improve on many things. Roger’s physiotrainer Paganini was also there and apparently he is working with him on his fitness. On the 4th set Roger’s mom and sister were also there and cheered on for Wawrinka. The Swiss supporters were outnumbered by the loud Chi-chi-chi-leans but the end result was for the Swissies. The four people from my club were also there at the match and we met afterwards. I saw some games of Sargsian v. Montanes but it was not so interesting for me so I left and bought souvenirs. The prices are a rip off but I bought a tennis skirt the color of clay, a 2005 RG tshirt, a white RG cap and a clay colored one, and a second one for my husband. I also visited the tennis museum and that was really interesting. At the entrance there are these black and white photos of all the former champions, then at the lower part of the basement is a room where they have videos of old matches, as well as interviews. I sat there and checked out a few but you might as well spend a whole day there to see most things. I had my two days (and a half) at RG and that was fine. So many matches to watch but you have to be choosy and the smaller courts have limited seats so you really have to be there earlier to avoid waiting and queueing. Also the queue outside can be crazy, just make sure you already have tickets.
Weather was also fickle, sometimes cold, sometimes warm, sometimes windy. It had drizzles on Monday, and too much walking around and queueing...in the end you just feel kaputt and tired. But it was a good experience. I've been watching RG on tv for years, so i'm glad that finally i've made it there!

[Partridge In A Pear Tree]

this guy wins the best butt ever! as they say in german, "knackig"

[Choupi]

Thanks for your report MrsB! I'm jealous...you've seen Fabrice play!

[Partridge In A Pear Tree]

sorry if the sizes are humongous!

[Partridge In A Pear Tree]

choupi said:

Thanks for your report MrsB! I'm jealous...you've seen Fabrice play!

Fabrice plays out of this world.

[Partridge In A Pear Tree]

more...

[Partridge In A Pear Tree]

[Partridge In A Pear Tree]

Roger's mom Lynnette & sister Diana came to watch Wawrinka's match...

[fatboy aphex]

Thanks Ilhame and Mrs B.

[TennisHack]

Thanks for the report Mrs. B! We got a bit of Stani's match vs Blake on TV and I liked what I saw. He's a bit raw but loads of potential.

[Ilhame]

I can't really exlain what Kim's bf looked like. He wasn't that good looking imo, but better looking then Lleyton

I'm halfway through uploading my pics.

[Ilhame]

Yes my photos are finally uploaded

You can take a look at them here: photobucket.com/albums/y297/mytennisphotos/

[adeegee]

Great reports and pics Choupi, Ilhame and Bebop.

Can I just ask.....I've been to Wimbledon the last 5 years, but usually go with people that are just coming along for the ride rather than because they love tennis like me. So usually we just get our tickets for one of the main courts and stay there all day.

This year I want to hopefully watch some of my favourites in action, even if its just training, and maybe get a photo with them. Whats the best way to go about this? Is it common for players to be practising on outside courts, or are they usually on the practise courts? I don't even know where the practise courts are actually, as I say I haven't fully taken advantage of being at Wimbledon several times. Any help would be much appreciated