This is probably my 2nd time to the Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Park. 1st was for Jacky Cheung's '99 concert that only occupied less than half of the arena.
The first game of the day played in the main court commenced at 3pm, which was the Finals of the Women's Doubles - Alona Bondarenko/Kateryna Bondarenko (UKR) vs Victoria Azarenka (BLR)/Shahar Peer (ISR). This was followed by the Mixed Doubles Semis - Tiantian Sun (CHN)/Nenad Zimonjic (SRB) vs Zi Yan (CHN)/Mark Knowles (BAH). The day ended with the crucial match between Novak Djokovic (SRB) vs Roger Federer (SUI) at no earlier than 7:30pm. It was this last match that most people turned up for, with 99% seats filled.
I was really fortunate and thankful to have a free tour guide cum walking map who showed me around the place. He is NOT the fugitive mafia don Brijesh Singh who eluded the police for 20 years and was recently being arrested. Although they share the same name, Brijesh Singh is, on the other hand, a tennis maniac who used to work for Australian Open for 3 years. That is how he knows his way inside out and just "what can I say" [1] to have such person to come with me? [Quote 1: Tsonga!]
We brought with us a bag full of snacks - chips, sunflower seeds, tim-tam, biscuit etc. It was a relaxing, stress-free afternoon with a small crowd watching the early games. After the first set staying in the main court, we decided to roam around the area and take some photos. We came to the practice courts and discovered a small crowd waiting near Court 16 anticipating someone important to come. Only a handful of courts were occupied at that time - some junior girls as well as players in wheelchair. After that, we left to see the Juniors' matches at other smaller courts.
We walked back to the practice courts 1.5 hour later, not hopeful to see any player still practising. As we approached Court 16, the same crowd was still there, but larger this time. We were told no one came for practice yet. Later, the security at the gateway revealed that Roger Federer "might be" on his way, and "might be" very soon. It was such a good timing to be at the right place! The Channel 7 cameramen were just done with setting up the big cameras and we were quite sure he would turn up any minute. No more than 5 minutes, a group of people appeared from far and I could make out Roger's figure at first sight. It happened so fast and he was already right in front of me. Luckily I managed to click 1 shot of him up close, despite the uncontrollable pounding of my heart with excitement.
We stood there watching the full 30-min practice session where he practised with a young tennis player.
I felt so contented after the practice session and did not even bother for his autograph. Well, I guess I have past that age. As we were leaving for the Mixed Doubles match, Novak Djokovic was practising in the next court! Though not a fan of his, it's still good to see the rank 3 player in such a close distance.
I knew I wouldn't be seeing Rafa today, at least this is something to compensate
The semi-final match started at around 8pm. Even though the game was not as good as I expected it to be (well, mainly because Roger was not playing his best), I still enjoyed being there cheering & cursing, and also having Movenpick ice-cream & Heineken beer.
The Men's Final will be on 27 Jan 7:30pm Novak Djokovic vs Jo-Wilfred Tsonga aka Muhammad Ali of tennis. I am definitely going for Ali who is not seeded and defeated Rafael Nadal in straight set. He gotta be better than Djoko to beat Rafa!
More photos at:
http://picasaweb.google.com/hiewyinchong/AustralianOpen2008
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