I have to say, it was an absolutely brilliant day. I saw three finals for the price of one ticket - it ended up being six hours of tennis (it would have been longer but more about that later). Not bad. Not bad.
It ended up being a beautiful day, although a little windy. I was glad that I was quite sheltered where I was sitting. Some of the people high up in the opposite stand looked like they were going on an arctic expedition. I felt overdressed where I was sitting (again, more about that later).
Here was the order of play for the day:
So the first match was Tamira Paszek v Angelique Kerber. They were not names that I recognised.
Tamira Paszek:
Angelique Kerber:
It was a really great match. The girls were fighting really hard to win so it made for great viewing and I really couldn't tell who would win. In the end it was Paszek who edged it out. The score was 5-7, 6-3, 7-5. The crowd was definitely behind her in the end and I think Kerber felt hard done by, especially by one particular call near the end that didn't go her way. As you can see her mood didn't improve. She did not look impressed! She still won a shed load of money so I don't feel too sorry for her.
Tamira with her trophy. She gave some lovely post match comments. She seems like a lovely girl so I'll definitely be following her progress in the future.
Next up was the Men's final which was between Andy Roddick and Andreas Seppi. Like really! Andy Roddick! I cannot tell you how excited I was about that. Really! Andy Roddick! Having watched him on TV and him being one of my favourite tennis players for more years than I care to remember I was more than a little over the moon that I would actually get to see him play. Andy Roddick!
The man himself:
Seppi:
This match was over much more quickly than the women's final but it was still enjoyable. I know (because the commentators tell you!) that the men can hit the ball really hard but on the TV it really doesn't come across. In reality, you can tell. They hit it really hard.
I would have loved the match to have lasted a little bit longer but Roddick won - 6-3, 6-2. Boom. I kind of had half an eye on his Mrs (Brooklyn Decker) for the match which was interesting. I suppose she is used to it, but she didn't really show a lot of excitement even though he played well.
Last up was the doubles. The first set was really entertaining. I think doubles is underrated. It is so fast and snappy and keeps you on your toes. Sadly we only got the first set of this match because Liezel Huber had to retire towards the beginning of the second set. Such a shame!
So, I had a fantastic day at the tennis. I really hope that I can go back next year. The only downside to the day was the sunburn. Oh the sunburn! I really hadn't thought that it would be so sunny (I was totally prepared for rain!) and the wind definitely made the strength of the sun deceiving. I thought that I was being totally clever by not rolling up my sleeves to protect my arms and wearing a scarf to protect the back of my neck even though I was absolutely boiling. The sun outwitted me though. My nose, hairline and chest (despite the scarf) particularly burned... the worst though was my hands.
I can't tell you how painful that was. I hate sunburn at the best of times but sunburn on your hands.... well, I don't recommend it.
I think the only way that the day would have been better would have been if Sarah had been with me. We all know that she is the real tennis nut and has a particular love for Mr Roddick. I know that she would have loved it. So, Sarah, this is for you.
You are welcome. :)
