Australian Open 2013

I didn't blog during the tournament so I thought I'd jot down a few things to remember this year's visit to the Australian Open. Overall I spent 10 nights in Melbourne. Eating out every morning, lunch and dinner was a bit annoying. I spent a lot of money on food and drank mostly tap water from Melbourne Park. The accommodation was nice and central. It was about a 15 minute walk to the tennis but most mornings and nights I caught the free trams. I didn't spend much on tickets to the tennis. First three days was free (qualies), Days 1-5 was a $125 5 day grounds pass and Hisense on the weekend for $60 a day.

For once I went to Melbourne early and attended the qualification matches. It's more crowded than Sydney, even on some main draw days. Nothing too exciting happened. Larriere lost her first match. I got to see Irina and Maryna from Justine's academy. I also went to some of Malek's matches but I've really lost interest in her now. It was disappointing that we couldn't walk around the practice courts. They had the viewing deck available but not all the courts are visible from up there.

On the final day of qualies, they had Kids Day.  I went to the exhibition which featured Fed, Tsonga and Vika in Team Spongebob against Ana, Nole and Serena in Team Dora. I know Gangnam Style is done to death but it was interesting to see Ana, Jo and Rog as bystanders. The balls kids almost got Roger to do it!

Alizé Cornet has had a memorable Melbourne trip, I think. She won her first match against Erakovic 10-8 in the third set. Basically the whole of New Zealand was cheering against her. The crowd was unhappy with her temper when she went off at the linesman. It must have been so awkward for Mona Barthel during the doubles when Alizé got angry at the officials. I felt like I could be friends with Mona. Well, in her second round match Alizé played Venus at a night match in RLA. I didn't want to spend money on a night session ticket so I watched it outside on the big screen which was ok.

Stefanie Voegele lost her first round match to Paszek 7-5 in the third. It was a disappointing end. Such a close match and she had the upper hand for most of the match, fought back to 4 all and was up 5-4. I think the crowd was supporting her but they weren't against Paszek either. As for doubles, she partnered Camila Giorgi and they drew the Williams sisters. It was definitely evident that they have never played together before. There was no chemistry and both played a very individualistic game. Stefi didn't want to play at the net and Camila was hitting balls that wasn't hers to hit. She was the more aggressive one with some great points at the net but also a lot of balls into the net too. Stefi's last service game was just woeful. The first set was competitive though, sort of.

There were so many other matches I went to but I won't bore you with the details. I really enjoyed my stay in Melbourne. The practice schedules are published now which makes our lives so much easier. A lot of drinking fountains. Easier access to the practice courts. I'm so motivated to follow more tennis throughout the rest of the year. I've been horrible with staying up late to watch the other slams. RG and Wimbledon are ok but I will try to watch more tennis this year.