After spending 9 days at the Toronto Masters i stayed in Toronto until Thursday evening. This is what i got up to.
Monday - I had a lie-in and boy did i need it. It is hard work watching tennis all day, chasing players around for autographs!
After i got up i went to Toronto Island - http://www.toronto.ca/parks/island/ I had a lovely walk through the Island and went along the shoreline of Lake Ontario to dip my feet. It was a sunny day so lots of people hanging out, having picnics etc. After catching the ferry back to the city i went to the CN Tower - http://www.cntower.ca/index.aspx Not much unless you like the view of skyscrapers, lol but it does give you a good view of the Islands & Lake. I went right to the top (Skypod) and had to queue again, another hour. My feet where killing me :( That was it for Monday.
Tuesday - Went to the Zoo - http://www.torontozoo.com/
Went on the subway then bus and bloody hell it take a long time, 90 minutes! The zoo is located outside the city in Scarborough and i felt like i had travelled to Scarborough, Yorkshire it took that long! Finally arrived and off i went to see the animals. Polar bears, yay!!! Tigers, yay!!! Elephants, yay!!!, Moose, yay!!! Snow Leopard, yay!!! and lots lots more. The long-standing resident Gorilla, Samantha, died the previous day so everyone was sad :( Poor Gorilla had recently suffered a 2nd stroke and was put to sleep. Had a lovely day as i love animals.
Wednesday - Niagara Falls - http://www.niagarafallstourism.com/.
Nice Amtrak train from Toronto @ 08.30 with big comfy seats with lots of leg room :) I got a taxi from the station to the Maid of The Mist with a fellow train traveller (some guy from Holland) Went to collect my pass and went straight onto the boat. I got SOAKED!!!! I have been before, back in 2005 but don't remember getting this wet. But it was great fun. I then went to Journey Behind the Falls. I had to wait 40 minutes for my timeslot so i went to get some lunch. TBH it was not worth the wait, it was crap. Yes you get very close to the base of the falls but it was that windy and so much spray that you can barely see anything. I moved on to Rainbow Bridge and crossed over the boarder to the USA, cost me $6 for a visa that i used for around 90 minutes, lol. Got a good view of the Horseshoe Falls from this side and had a nice walk through the park. I then crossed back over and caught the shuttle bus to the Butterfly Conservatory. The last time i was here we didn't have that long to look around here. Whilst it is not that big there are thousands of butterflies and gave me a chance to use the Macro function on my camera. Managed to get some good shots when they finally stopped flying around, lol. At this point i had ran out of time so made my way back to the train station. And i shouldn't of bothered!! The train originates in New York so after crossing the boarder the Immigration people do their checks. 137 needed to be checked, luggage checked etc etc etc and it took over an hour!! Finally we got on board and off we went. Got back into Toronto and once again found myself in a bar, happened every night, lol. Made it back to the hotel and packed my case ready for the checkout next morning.
Thursday - Royal Ontario Museum - http://www.rom.on.ca/
I had booked my ticket for the special exhibtion on the Terracotta Warrior Army so got there early, 10am. There were 6 pieces brought over and it is a fasinating story. They have dinosaurs too, yay!!! Had a look around the other floors then once again found myself in a bar, always seems to happen to me, :) Went back to the hotel to collect my case and off i went to the airport. Was sick of paying for cabs so i took the subway & bus, $3, bargain. Toronto International has free WiFi, nice people! Went straight to my gate and found a seat with a plug and surfed the net whilst waiting to board. Unlike the way over i was on time. Boring flight, slept for 30 minutes, woohoo.
Got home just before 11am, chatted with my Mum for a while then went to bed and slept like a log for a few hours. Ooooo, almost forgot, there was a pressie waiting for me, a dishwasher!!!!! Been after one for a few months now, lol. Ordered and eat a Chinese and i am now sat watching Cincy on the laptop.
I miss live tennis already!!
Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/53107733@N06/
Friday, 20 August 2010
Monday, 16 August 2010
Day 9 @Toronto Masters 2010
So it is all over. No more tennis for me now. Well done to Andy for taking the title in straights against Roger. I was expecting a more competitive match but maybe the rain delays threw Roger off a bit but it was always Andy who had to come back out and serve mid-game so credit for getting through those. The better players of the tournament made the final so i guess it is deserved.
It has been a great tournament overall for me, i have seen some good matches. My top 3:
Federer v Berdych
Federer v Djokovic
Watchiike i said in my previous blog access to the players has been great. The VIP Lounge was cool for a place to get out of the sun and into the air con! and my seats were fab! Expensive trip but well worth the money. I will say one thing, watching a whole week of tennis is very tiring, i am knackered!!!!
So i am now going to spend a few days in Toronto. I moved downtown yesterday and today i shall we going to Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario and up the CN Tower. Tomorrow i am off to the Zoo, Wednesday i go to Niagara Falls and Thursday the Royal Ontario Musuem and the Terracotta Warrior Army exhibition then I fly home that evening.
Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/53107733@N06/
Videos - http://www.youtube.com/user/clmbsb
It has been a great tournament overall for me, i have seen some good matches. My top 3:
Federer v Berdych
Federer v Djokovic
Watchiike i said in my previous blog access to the players has been great. The VIP Lounge was cool for a place to get out of the sun and into the air con! and my seats were fab! Expensive trip but well worth the money. I will say one thing, watching a whole week of tennis is very tiring, i am knackered!!!!
So i am now going to spend a few days in Toronto. I moved downtown yesterday and today i shall we going to Toronto Islands, Lake Ontario and up the CN Tower. Tomorrow i am off to the Zoo, Wednesday i go to Niagara Falls and Thursday the Royal Ontario Musuem and the Terracotta Warrior Army exhibition then I fly home that evening.
Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/53107733@N06/
Videos - http://www.youtube.com/user/clmbsb
Saturday, 14 August 2010
Day 8 @ Toronto Masters 2010
Oh well, not be to be. I managed another autograph (6 in total, 4 photos 2 flags) and a "Hola" out of Rafa today so not bad. He was serving better in practice today and hitting the ball a lot harder, and whilst his 1st serve % in the match was pretty decent it just didn't work out for him today. I always thought i would be happy with a semi final showing here but believe me, when you have the player right there in front of you, you do not want them to lose. If he had just taken 1 of those BP chances..... anyway he didn't so no point going on about it.
I found the 2nd semi to be an entertaining match. Even after the breadstick i didn't think it was over. Roger is still prone to those mid-match walkabouts and Nole took advantage. Felt for Novak at the end as IMO he blew it! Once again we had some arseholes in the crowd, shouting "do it again" when Roger hit a fault. Seriously, WTF don't they throw idoits like that out?
I have an early start tomorrow as i am moving to a downtown hotel so that's your lot.
Murray v Federer - not the final i wanted but what can you do.
I will upload today's photos tomorrow as i need sleep now.
Thank you to my little band of followers for reading.
xxxx
Photos - Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/52927329@N05/
I found the 2nd semi to be an entertaining match. Even after the breadstick i didn't think it was over. Roger is still prone to those mid-match walkabouts and Nole took advantage. Felt for Novak at the end as IMO he blew it! Once again we had some arseholes in the crowd, shouting "do it again" when Roger hit a fault. Seriously, WTF don't they throw idoits like that out?
I have an early start tomorrow as i am moving to a downtown hotel so that's your lot.
Murray v Federer - not the final i wanted but what can you do.
I will upload today's photos tomorrow as i need sleep now.
Thank you to my little band of followers for reading.
xxxx
Photos - Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/52927329@N05/
Day 7 @ Toronto Masters 2010
by Clare 14 Aug 2010, 5:52 AM - GMT
Well that was an eventful day. Started off, as usual on the practice court and first up was Rafa. Not the best practice session i have ever seen, the serve was awful but once again i scored with an autograph, this time on my other flag.
I then moved off onto the Stadium and watched Murray v Nalbandian. Poor Davy, I think the past few weeks finally caught up with him and as soon as he faced a decent opponent he was found out. Still a fantastic 2 weeks for him so well done.
It was then time for Rafa. Oh sweet Jesus, this man is trying to kill me i am sure of it. Didn't enjoy the match at all. I know the main thing to most people is the result but not for me. The performance today and all week have been poor and God help him tomorrow unless he gets that serve going and stops hitting long.
Nice break between sessions so i had a little walk around again. I sorted out the photos i had taken and also had a look in the Rogers Clubhouse and used their free internet.
Then came Federer v Berdych and what a match. Some great points and i great end though some tossers in the crowd were out of order. Shouting "do another" when Berdych hit a fault etc etc, arseholes! I went to get some beer after that match and as the people in front and to the side of me had left i put my feet up, drank beer and watched the match. Nothing spectacular, most interesting part was the trainer for Novak's shoulder.
Again i shall have a lie in as Rafa v Murray doesn't start until 3pm (at the earliest) Time for me to pack as i move downtown on Sunday morning.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52927329@N05/
http://www.youtube.com/user/clmbsb
Well that was an eventful day. Started off, as usual on the practice court and first up was Rafa. Not the best practice session i have ever seen, the serve was awful but once again i scored with an autograph, this time on my other flag.
I then moved off onto the Stadium and watched Murray v Nalbandian. Poor Davy, I think the past few weeks finally caught up with him and as soon as he faced a decent opponent he was found out. Still a fantastic 2 weeks for him so well done.
It was then time for Rafa. Oh sweet Jesus, this man is trying to kill me i am sure of it. Didn't enjoy the match at all. I know the main thing to most people is the result but not for me. The performance today and all week have been poor and God help him tomorrow unless he gets that serve going and stops hitting long.
Nice break between sessions so i had a little walk around again. I sorted out the photos i had taken and also had a look in the Rogers Clubhouse and used their free internet.
Then came Federer v Berdych and what a match. Some great points and i great end though some tossers in the crowd were out of order. Shouting "do another" when Berdych hit a fault etc etc, arseholes! I went to get some beer after that match and as the people in front and to the side of me had left i put my feet up, drank beer and watched the match. Nothing spectacular, most interesting part was the trainer for Novak's shoulder.
Again i shall have a lie in as Rafa v Murray doesn't start until 3pm (at the earliest) Time for me to pack as i move downtown on Sunday morning.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/52927329@N05/
http://www.youtube.com/user/clmbsb
Thursday, 12 August 2010
Day 6 @ Toronto Masters 2010
Arrived later due to being knackered and needing a lie in. Straight to the practice court when I arrived and I found Roger just finishing up his session. Waited around and got him to sign my other copy of the O2 photo he signed the previous day. I said a belated Happy Birthday to him and he smiled and said thanks. The notice board told him Rafa was at 4.30 on Court 2 so I headed for the Stadium.
Pretty even 1st set but an awful game in the 10th gave Robin the break and the set. Much better from David in the 2nd and great stuff in the 3rd to hand out a “breadstick”
Next up was Roger v Michael. I found this a very entertaining match with some good exchanges between the players. 1st set went to the TB but very poor from Michael. That continued into the 2nd and it was a comfortable win for Roger.
At this point I was starving due to no breakfast so I went to get a burger, fries & drink $17!!!! robbing bastards and the fries were crap. Went back into the Stadium to watch Andy v Gael. Got in at 2-0 and watched from the back of the court until the change of ends. At this point it was very hot so I was slapping on the Factor 50 again. Not a great 1st set from Gael but WOW in the 2nd, no idea where Andy went. Wherever it was Gael went there in the 3rd. I left at 4-1 to go watch the end of Rafa’s practice session and I heard that Gael hit a DF when down MP.
Once again I got one of my photos signed by Rafa but bloody hell what a massive scrum. I remembered that he would have to walk through the practice courts to get to the players area so I quickly moved over there. Just as I got through the door the security man was coming in and told me I couldn’t go any further as Rafa was literally 10m away. He made me stand by the curtain where the players go through behind the VIP lounge. I went to get another photo out of my bag and the security man said that I could try and get Rafa to sign it, so I did and Rafa did though I must admit he did look a little rushed.
I went to sit down after and sort out my photos. After a while I remembered that Novak was on Grandstand so off I went there. Totally packed out so I had to wait until 5-2 before I could get in. Once again I was courtside, behind the baseline judge. I was keeping an eye on the clock but managed to stay until the end. Again another mass scrum for an autograph but Novak only signed to those right behind the players chairs. In the melee I managed to lose my pen I take notes with, good job I have a spare!
Got into Stadium to watch the end of the warm up. Well it was a great 1st set from Rafa but like Andy & Gael this afternoon Rafa went walkies in the 2nd, seriously WTF Rafa! The dreaded TB loomed and Rafa managed to get through. Again I didn’t stay for the doubles as I needed my bed (and to write this)
Arrived later due to being knackered and needing a lie in. Straight to the practice court when I arrived and I found Roger just finishing up his session. Waited around and got him to sign my other copy of the O2 photo he signed the previous day. I said a belated Happy Birthday to him and he smiled and said thanks :cool: The notice board told him Rafa was at 4.30 on Court 2 so I headed for the Stadium.
Pretty even 1st set but an awful game in the 10th gave Robin the break and the set. Much better from David in the 2nd and great stuff in the 3rd to hand out a “breadstick”
Next up was Roger v Michael. I found this a very entertaining match with some good exchanges between the players. 1st set went to the TB but very poor from Michael. That continued into the 2nd and it was a comfortable win for Roger.
At this point I was starving due to no breakfast so I went to get a burger, fries & drink $17!!!! robbing bastards and the fries were crap. Went back into the Stadium to watch Andy v Gael. Got in at 2-0 and watched from the back of the court until the change of ends. At this point it was very hot so I was slapping on the Factor 50 again. Not a great 1st set from Gael but WOW in the 2nd, no idea where Andy went. Wherever it was Gael went there in the 3rd. I left at 4-1 to go watch the end of Rafa’s practice session and I heard that Gael hit a DF when down MP :sad:
Once again I got one of my photos signed by Rafa but bloody hell what a massive scrum. I remembered that he would have to walk through the practice courts to get to the players area so I quickly moved over there. Just as I got through the door the security man was coming in and told me I couldn’t go any further as Rafa was literally 10m away. He made me stand by the curtain where the players go through behind the VIP lounge. I went to get another photo out of my bag and the security man said that I could try and get Rafa to sign it, so I did and Rafa did though I must admit he did look a little rushed.
I went to sit down after and sort out my photos. After a while I remembered that Novak was on Grandstand so off I went there. Totally packed out so I had to wait until 5-2 before I could get in. Once again I was courtside, behind the baseline judge. I was keeping an eye on the clock but managed to stay until the end. Again another mass scrum for an autograph but Novak only signed to those right behind the players chairs. In the melee I managed to lose my pen I take notes with, good job I have a spare!
Got into Stadium to watch the end of the warm up. Well it was a great 1st set from Rafa but like Andy & Gael this afternoon Rafa went walkies in the 2nd, seriously WTF Rafa! The dreaded TB loomed and Rafa managed to get through. Again I didn’t stay for the doubles as I needed my bed (and to write this)
Arrived later due to being knackered and needing a lie in. Straight to the practice court when I arrived and I found Roger just finishing up his session. Waited around and got him to sign my other copy of the O2 photo he signed the previous day. I said a belated Happy Birthday to him and he smiled and said thanks :cool: The notice board told him Rafa was at 4.30 on Court 2 so I headed for the Stadium.
Pretty even 1st set but an awful game in the 10th gave Robin the break and the set. Much better from David in the 2nd and great stuff in the 3rd to hand out a “breadstick”
Next up was Roger v Michael. I found this a very entertaining match with some good exchanges between the players. 1st set went to the TB but very poor from Michael. That continued into the 2nd and it was a comfortable win for Roger.
At this point I was starving due to no breakfast so I went to get a burger, fries & drink $17!!!! robbing bastards and the fries were crap. Went back into the Stadium to watch Andy v Gael. Got in at 2-0 and watched from the back of the court until the change of ends. At this point it was very hot so I was slapping on the Factor 50 again. Not a great 1st set from Gael but WOW in the 2nd, no idea where Andy went. Wherever it was Gael went there in the 3rd. I left at 4-1 to go watch the end of Rafa’s practice session and I heard that Gael hit a DF when down MP :sad:
Once again I got one of my photos signed by Rafa but bloody hell what a massive scrum. I remembered that he would have to walk through the practice courts to get to the players area so I quickly moved over there. Just as I got through the door the security man was coming in and told me I couldn’t go any further as Rafa was literally 10m away. He made me stand by the curtain where the players go through behind the VIP lounge. I went to get another photo out of my bag and the security man said that I could try and get Rafa to sign it, so I did and Rafa did though I must admit he did look a little rushed.
I went to sit down after and sort out my photos. After a while I remembered that Novak was on Grandstand so off I went there. Totally packed out so I had to wait until 5-2 before I could get in. Once again I was courtside, behind the baseline judge. I was keeping an eye on the clock but managed to stay until the end. Again another mass scrum for an autograph but Novak only signed to those right behind the players chairs. In the melee I managed to lose my pen I take notes with, good job I have a spare!
Got into Stadium to watch the end of the warm up. Well it was a great 1st set from Rafa but like Andy & Gael this afternoon Rafa went walkies in the 2nd, seriously WTF Rafa! The dreaded TB loomed and Rafa managed to get through. Again I didn’t stay for the doubles as I needed my bed (and to write this)
Photos added http://www.flickr.com/photos/52927329@N05/
Pretty even 1st set but an awful game in the 10th gave Robin the break and the set. Much better from David in the 2nd and great stuff in the 3rd to hand out a “breadstick”
Next up was Roger v Michael. I found this a very entertaining match with some good exchanges between the players. 1st set went to the TB but very poor from Michael. That continued into the 2nd and it was a comfortable win for Roger.
At this point I was starving due to no breakfast so I went to get a burger, fries & drink $17!!!! robbing bastards and the fries were crap. Went back into the Stadium to watch Andy v Gael. Got in at 2-0 and watched from the back of the court until the change of ends. At this point it was very hot so I was slapping on the Factor 50 again. Not a great 1st set from Gael but WOW in the 2nd, no idea where Andy went. Wherever it was Gael went there in the 3rd. I left at 4-1 to go watch the end of Rafa’s practice session and I heard that Gael hit a DF when down MP.
Once again I got one of my photos signed by Rafa but bloody hell what a massive scrum. I remembered that he would have to walk through the practice courts to get to the players area so I quickly moved over there. Just as I got through the door the security man was coming in and told me I couldn’t go any further as Rafa was literally 10m away. He made me stand by the curtain where the players go through behind the VIP lounge. I went to get another photo out of my bag and the security man said that I could try and get Rafa to sign it, so I did and Rafa did though I must admit he did look a little rushed.
I went to sit down after and sort out my photos. After a while I remembered that Novak was on Grandstand so off I went there. Totally packed out so I had to wait until 5-2 before I could get in. Once again I was courtside, behind the baseline judge. I was keeping an eye on the clock but managed to stay until the end. Again another mass scrum for an autograph but Novak only signed to those right behind the players chairs. In the melee I managed to lose my pen I take notes with, good job I have a spare!
Got into Stadium to watch the end of the warm up. Well it was a great 1st set from Rafa but like Andy & Gael this afternoon Rafa went walkies in the 2nd, seriously WTF Rafa! The dreaded TB loomed and Rafa managed to get through. Again I didn’t stay for the doubles as I needed my bed (and to write this)
Arrived later due to being knackered and needing a lie in. Straight to the practice court when I arrived and I found Roger just finishing up his session. Waited around and got him to sign my other copy of the O2 photo he signed the previous day. I said a belated Happy Birthday to him and he smiled and said thanks :cool: The notice board told him Rafa was at 4.30 on Court 2 so I headed for the Stadium.
Pretty even 1st set but an awful game in the 10th gave Robin the break and the set. Much better from David in the 2nd and great stuff in the 3rd to hand out a “breadstick”
Next up was Roger v Michael. I found this a very entertaining match with some good exchanges between the players. 1st set went to the TB but very poor from Michael. That continued into the 2nd and it was a comfortable win for Roger.
At this point I was starving due to no breakfast so I went to get a burger, fries & drink $17!!!! robbing bastards and the fries were crap. Went back into the Stadium to watch Andy v Gael. Got in at 2-0 and watched from the back of the court until the change of ends. At this point it was very hot so I was slapping on the Factor 50 again. Not a great 1st set from Gael but WOW in the 2nd, no idea where Andy went. Wherever it was Gael went there in the 3rd. I left at 4-1 to go watch the end of Rafa’s practice session and I heard that Gael hit a DF when down MP :sad:
Once again I got one of my photos signed by Rafa but bloody hell what a massive scrum. I remembered that he would have to walk through the practice courts to get to the players area so I quickly moved over there. Just as I got through the door the security man was coming in and told me I couldn’t go any further as Rafa was literally 10m away. He made me stand by the curtain where the players go through behind the VIP lounge. I went to get another photo out of my bag and the security man said that I could try and get Rafa to sign it, so I did and Rafa did though I must admit he did look a little rushed.
I went to sit down after and sort out my photos. After a while I remembered that Novak was on Grandstand so off I went there. Totally packed out so I had to wait until 5-2 before I could get in. Once again I was courtside, behind the baseline judge. I was keeping an eye on the clock but managed to stay until the end. Again another mass scrum for an autograph but Novak only signed to those right behind the players chairs. In the melee I managed to lose my pen I take notes with, good job I have a spare!
Got into Stadium to watch the end of the warm up. Well it was a great 1st set from Rafa but like Andy & Gael this afternoon Rafa went walkies in the 2nd, seriously WTF Rafa! The dreaded TB loomed and Rafa managed to get through. Again I didn’t stay for the doubles as I needed my bed (and to write this)
Arrived later due to being knackered and needing a lie in. Straight to the practice court when I arrived and I found Roger just finishing up his session. Waited around and got him to sign my other copy of the O2 photo he signed the previous day. I said a belated Happy Birthday to him and he smiled and said thanks :cool: The notice board told him Rafa was at 4.30 on Court 2 so I headed for the Stadium.
Pretty even 1st set but an awful game in the 10th gave Robin the break and the set. Much better from David in the 2nd and great stuff in the 3rd to hand out a “breadstick”
Next up was Roger v Michael. I found this a very entertaining match with some good exchanges between the players. 1st set went to the TB but very poor from Michael. That continued into the 2nd and it was a comfortable win for Roger.
At this point I was starving due to no breakfast so I went to get a burger, fries & drink $17!!!! robbing bastards and the fries were crap. Went back into the Stadium to watch Andy v Gael. Got in at 2-0 and watched from the back of the court until the change of ends. At this point it was very hot so I was slapping on the Factor 50 again. Not a great 1st set from Gael but WOW in the 2nd, no idea where Andy went. Wherever it was Gael went there in the 3rd. I left at 4-1 to go watch the end of Rafa’s practice session and I heard that Gael hit a DF when down MP :sad:
Once again I got one of my photos signed by Rafa but bloody hell what a massive scrum. I remembered that he would have to walk through the practice courts to get to the players area so I quickly moved over there. Just as I got through the door the security man was coming in and told me I couldn’t go any further as Rafa was literally 10m away. He made me stand by the curtain where the players go through behind the VIP lounge. I went to get another photo out of my bag and the security man said that I could try and get Rafa to sign it, so I did and Rafa did though I must admit he did look a little rushed.
I went to sit down after and sort out my photos. After a while I remembered that Novak was on Grandstand so off I went there. Totally packed out so I had to wait until 5-2 before I could get in. Once again I was courtside, behind the baseline judge. I was keeping an eye on the clock but managed to stay until the end. Again another mass scrum for an autograph but Novak only signed to those right behind the players chairs. In the melee I managed to lose my pen I take notes with, good job I have a spare!
Got into Stadium to watch the end of the warm up. Well it was a great 1st set from Rafa but like Andy & Gael this afternoon Rafa went walkies in the 2nd, seriously WTF Rafa! The dreaded TB loomed and Rafa managed to get through. Again I didn’t stay for the doubles as I needed my bed (and to write this)
Photos added http://www.flickr.com/photos/52927329@N05/
Day 5 @ Toronto Masters 2010
Had a great day today. As usual i started on the practice courts but no schedule was up so i didn't stay long. I went to Court 1 to watch Youzhny but could see a half naked Nalbandian practicing on Court 2 so off i went there to get some photos for Listen Up. After a bit he sat down so i went onto Grandstand to watch Davydenko v Fognini. I got a courtside seat right in the corner to the left of the umpire. I knew Nalbandian was only booked for an hour practice so i left the match after 3 games and managed to catch David as he was leaving. A quick autograph of my ticket (LU - i will guard it with my life) and a "well done for winning Washington" was done then i headed back to Court 1. From my seat again i could see onto Court 2 and saw a bit of Andy practicing. I could also see Grandstand and saw that Fognini lost the 1st set with a DF. The Youzhny match (what i saw was very one-sided) but he lost, WTF Mikhail!!! Again i knew that Andy would only be practicing for a hour so @ 5-5 in the 2nd set i left, silly me thought it was a change of ends and just got up and started to walk down the stairs. I realised my mistake half way down but kept going! Again my timing was perfect and i got my other ticket signed by Andy. Moved back to Grandstand and watched the rest of that match and again got an autograph (Davydenko)
Decided to stay and watch the 1st set of Nalbandian's match but ended up watching it all. Again watched it from the courtside seat and it was just fab, bloody brilliant David.
Went to Stadium court and watched from 6-5 in the first set. I must admit at one point i thought Nole was going to quit but he hung on for a straight set win. Andy up next and i didn't think it was that good a match. Andy had his head up his arse for the first set but managed to grind out the win.
At this point i knew the afternoon practice sessions, both Roger and Rafa due on at 4.30 so i went to the courts and Rafa had moved to Court 2. I only found this out after going to the patio and after seeing him there the other day with Novak thought no chance, it is just a mad scrum in the public areas. Roger was sat about so i thought i would wait and try for an autograph. I understand that it can be quite hard as he doesn't sign many, his choice and i have no problem with that. Well i very impressed. He went all along the public side of the court signing everything he could, he then walked over to my side and again did the same, and not just autographs but photos too. Managed to get him to sign my photo i took of him at the O2 last year so made up with that.
Off again to Grandstand for Chardy v Verdasco. Once again courtside seat right next to Chardy's coach and girlfriend! I joined in the 3rd set and you could clearly see that Verdasco had hurt his right leg at the start of that set. Not much of a fight in the 3rd and Chardy came through.
Rafatime! Nike must be trying to give their players a more feminine look as, like roger the night before Rafa was in pink, though a better pink. A few breaks in the first but it went to a TB and a bloody long one too. At one point Stan fell over but still won the point. Finally Rafa takes his chance and wins the first set. No shirt change as Rafa went to the loo and Stan called the trainer to get checked over from the fall. All is good and the 2nd set starts. Still not great from Rafa but he wins so i am happy.
I am now eating pizza whilst i type this so i am doubly happy.
Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/52927329@N05/
Decided to stay and watch the 1st set of Nalbandian's match but ended up watching it all. Again watched it from the courtside seat and it was just fab, bloody brilliant David.
Went to Stadium court and watched from 6-5 in the first set. I must admit at one point i thought Nole was going to quit but he hung on for a straight set win. Andy up next and i didn't think it was that good a match. Andy had his head up his arse for the first set but managed to grind out the win.
At this point i knew the afternoon practice sessions, both Roger and Rafa due on at 4.30 so i went to the courts and Rafa had moved to Court 2. I only found this out after going to the patio and after seeing him there the other day with Novak thought no chance, it is just a mad scrum in the public areas. Roger was sat about so i thought i would wait and try for an autograph. I understand that it can be quite hard as he doesn't sign many, his choice and i have no problem with that. Well i very impressed. He went all along the public side of the court signing everything he could, he then walked over to my side and again did the same, and not just autographs but photos too. Managed to get him to sign my photo i took of him at the O2 last year so made up with that.
Off again to Grandstand for Chardy v Verdasco. Once again courtside seat right next to Chardy's coach and girlfriend! I joined in the 3rd set and you could clearly see that Verdasco had hurt his right leg at the start of that set. Not much of a fight in the 3rd and Chardy came through.
Rafatime! Nike must be trying to give their players a more feminine look as, like roger the night before Rafa was in pink, though a better pink. A few breaks in the first but it went to a TB and a bloody long one too. At one point Stan fell over but still won the point. Finally Rafa takes his chance and wins the first set. No shirt change as Rafa went to the loo and Stan called the trainer to get checked over from the fall. All is good and the 2nd set starts. Still not great from Rafa but he wins so i am happy.
I am now eating pizza whilst i type this so i am doubly happy.
Photos - http://www.flickr.com/photos/52927329@N05/
Tuesday, 10 August 2010
Day 4 @ Toronto Masters 2010
Again i was a lazy sod and caught the bus to the stadium. Once again it was straight to the practice court where i was greeted by a half naked Clement, very nice. He was there with Paul-Henri Mathieu & Florent Serra. Awww the lovely French accent. Once Clement put a t-shirt on i left to go to the Patio and see if i could find out the practice schedule. I saw a lady who i had got chatting to on Saturday and she informed me that Rafa was due at 11 so naturally i stayed there. 2 hours later & i have another Rafa autograph, this time my little Spanish flag.
Off i went to Stadium court and watched the 2 David's, Ferrer v Nalbandian. At this time i was feeling a bit hungry so i bought lunch, popcorn & a Corona. Decent 1st set with Nalby taking it 7-5. A bad start to the 2nd saw Ferrer take a 2-0 lead but Nalby broke straight back. Ferrer got another and held serve to take us into a 3rd set. Similar start to the 2nd set saw Nalby go 2-0 up but some shocking smashes gave back the break. At this point the sun was really hot, total contrast to yesterday so i put up my brolly to get some shade. Lost track of all the breaks by this point but Nalby gets the win 6-3 in the 3rd, woohoo David!!!!
Next up was Soderling v Gulbis and frankly i found this match rather boring. I was quite disappointed with Soderling's play, especially his serving. Anyway Robin won 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
I had over an hour to wait before the night session so i headed to Grandstand expecting to watch Gonzalez. What happened? I got onto the court at 2-1 Monfils and the match was over rather quickly after that, Gael winning 7-6 6-3. Next up was Verdasco v Schwank but i only caught the first 3 games as it was then time to go watch Federer.
First up - WTF is that shirt Roger is wearing. I would normally say take it off but in this case, keep it on!! Nice first set from both players, some more S&V play A swap of breaks (Roger to love) and we get to a TB. Again a swap of breaks gets the score to 6-6 but a break at 7-7 gave Federer his 5th set point which he takes. Some nice play from Chela in that set. 2 more breaks of serve and Federer has the 2nd set & the match 7-6, 6-3.
I didn't stay for the final match as i had a late night yesterday plus i had some washing to do (boring)
http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/clare2904/Toronto%20Day%204/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aUjI5c5rGo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UA8gPySk-M
Off i went to Stadium court and watched the 2 David's, Ferrer v Nalbandian. At this time i was feeling a bit hungry so i bought lunch, popcorn & a Corona. Decent 1st set with Nalby taking it 7-5. A bad start to the 2nd saw Ferrer take a 2-0 lead but Nalby broke straight back. Ferrer got another and held serve to take us into a 3rd set. Similar start to the 2nd set saw Nalby go 2-0 up but some shocking smashes gave back the break. At this point the sun was really hot, total contrast to yesterday so i put up my brolly to get some shade. Lost track of all the breaks by this point but Nalby gets the win 6-3 in the 3rd, woohoo David!!!!
Next up was Soderling v Gulbis and frankly i found this match rather boring. I was quite disappointed with Soderling's play, especially his serving. Anyway Robin won 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
I had over an hour to wait before the night session so i headed to Grandstand expecting to watch Gonzalez. What happened? I got onto the court at 2-1 Monfils and the match was over rather quickly after that, Gael winning 7-6 6-3. Next up was Verdasco v Schwank but i only caught the first 3 games as it was then time to go watch Federer.
First up - WTF is that shirt Roger is wearing. I would normally say take it off but in this case, keep it on!! Nice first set from both players, some more S&V play A swap of breaks (Roger to love) and we get to a TB. Again a swap of breaks gets the score to 6-6 but a break at 7-7 gave Federer his 5th set point which he takes. Some nice play from Chela in that set. 2 more breaks of serve and Federer has the 2nd set & the match 7-6, 6-3.
I didn't stay for the final match as i had a late night yesterday plus i had some washing to do (boring)
http://s984.photobucket.com/albums/ae322/clare2904/Toronto%20Day%204/
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aUjI5c5rGo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UA8gPySk-M
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