Successful first day of qualies

Thank you for the comment in the previous post, Anon. I'm glad someone still reads this ;)

Okay, I'm back from a 7 and a half hours at the tennis. That is the number of hours I work on an average day. I can testify that being at the tennis is hard work because I'm a little tired right now, but it is only the first day of qualifying so I'm not that tired.

After raining all night last night it was grey and overcast the whole day today. Luckily it didn't rain at all and I didn't have to take off my jacket so I didn't need to apply sunscreen. The morning I felt really restless, walking around the courts seeing a few matches had begun and some players practicing. Nothing too exciting, I didn't want to sit at a match for too long in case I missed Stefi's practice. Seeing her practice and a victory were the two things I wanted to get out of today!

It was just perfect timing when I made my 3rd (or 4th) trip to the practice courts - yes, I was getting a bit paranoid. There was a girl there I didn't recognise waiting for someone to come hit with her. A few minutes later Stefi rocks up in her purple tracksuit. It was the funniest thing I've seen. I feel like such a stalker though. Commenting on her outfit then standing there during her whole practice taking photos, alone most of the time. Suddenly I had the thought that the other girl was Mandy Minella and after comparing the face to the WTA profile picture, surely it was her. After staying to watch the entire practice, I was satisfied and ready to start watching some tennis.

Saw a few bits of tennis here and there: Lepchenko losing the TB for the match to Kirilenko, almost an entire set of Ula v Peers. Sofia and Virginie winning. At 4 o'clock I had intended to see Cornet's match against Pirovarova after tossing up between that, Minella or Rus. I was heading to the bathroom when Stefi and her coach walked past me, towards the courts. Her match was supposed to be after Alizé's but it got moved so my whole plan was ruined. Disappointed that 4 players I wanted to see were all playing at once but it wasn't a choice. I have a favourite ;)

Stefi wins 6-3, 6-3 against this French girl I've never heard of before. My day was complete. I went home shortly after that.

I'm back and ready!

18 months have come and gone since the last post, I've been pondering whether or not to blog about the Sydney tournament and decided in favour of it. A lot has happened since the 2010 tennis escapades. I went to Sydney and Melbourne last year but I couldn't be bothered writing about it. Uploading the pictures is most tedious with my internet at dial up speeds (and I packed light for the Melbourne trip), but giving it a go again this time around. I hope you enjoy it. The women's qualifying draw comes out tomorrow and the qualifying tournament starts the day after.

Quick update

It's been a while since the Aussie summer of tennis, was procrastinating so I was browsing through my mystery player pics and I noticed some are familiar now. I even staw Stefi Vögele hitting the day before qualies at Syd! But back then I had no idea who she was so I only took one pic. It's been quite cold here the past few days. Looking forward to summer. Hopefully I can repeat the lovely 2 weeks of Sydney and Melbourne. Basking in the warm sun. Watching a lot of tennis. 

Day 7, last day

It was sad walking through the empty grounds as I left Melbourne Park for the last time. Not sure if I will be back next year, would love to though it has been great fun. Today I got a ticket for Hisense Arena again. Much better today. There was 4 matches scheduled. First up a close encounter between Alona Bondarenko and Zheng, disappointed that Alona lost. It was close right through and just in the last moment Zheng wins, it was one of those matches. Then the Russians Petrova and Kuznetsova. You can tell they are friends, applauding one another a lot. I stayed for a bit then went outside to see some sixth sense juniors. When I got back it was the third set and very easy for Petrova. After this was the epic 4 h 30 something minute five setter between Delpo and Cilic. Again very close match and the crowd got louder and louder. My first time seeing a five setter live and perfect timing too. After this match was done I go to the tv and saw Justine had won the first set. She loses the second but wins the third. Elated, I go back inside Hisense hoping that Safina will put Kirilenko away. Unfortunately she retired with an injury. So play ends at 10pm. Pretty good day of tennis for $45. 

Day 6

Tomorrow is the last day of tennis for me. It's been just over 2 long weeks ever since Sydney qualifications. I can't believe the players have to do this week in, week out. I'm so exhausted. More and more players are bowing out of the tournament. The outside courts are pretty empty, a lot of doubles and the juniors have begun to descend. Today I had tickets to Hisense Arena. First up Vika. It was sprinkling for a bit so it delayed the start of the match but they finally decided to close the roof and play resumed. Vika was on fire today, a lot of winners. After the match Serena vs Suarez Navarro and another smashing. I watched only until 3-0 of the Djokovic match and decided to go to the outside courts. Stood outside of show court 3 of almost 20 minutes waiting to get into Dani v Li Na. I finally got in and it was so depressing watching Dani get thumped in the 3rd set lol. The timing was perfect with this match ending and the Vika/Kuz v ALG/King doubles match beginning. Watched the entire match. Vika was so funny, looking to her coach so much. Then I saw Delacqua in mixed doubles. Australians vs the Czechs. Was going for the Czechs just because everyone else wanted Casey haha.  

Day 5

I'm back at the hotel very early tonight. You can tell the tournament is getting down to the serious stages. There isn't much activity on the outside courts besides a lot of doubles. This morning I helped my friend make a sign because she was going to Henin's match. I went to see the entire Wickmayer v Errani and Monfils v Isner match. The French guys singing is still in my head lol. The atmosphere for that match was amazing. Really tired, was watching Clijsters on tv but then it stopped working :\ 

Just uploaded all my justine pics onto fb. It's so much faster than imagebaming! 

Stefanie Vögele :)

She's my new favourite player for the week! lol Won a lot of fans today. The crowd appreciated her temperament over angry Vika. Good effort today though. Fought hard. Hope she has a good season :)   

Pics from rd 1 vs Czink, practice on the same court as Vika today and rd 2 vs Vika