DAY 2

Left hotel at 10.55 as I didn’t fancy watching the doubles first up on Ashe and I wanted a rest for the night matches. Had breakfast at a local diner, Swiss cheese omelette with hash browns and diet Pepsi, $11.25.

I forgot to mention yesterday that American Express have a radio station here and I got a free headset radio which gives you match commentary from ESPN and CBS, helps me keep track of the other matches. Anyway I arrived in my seat at 12.20 and caught the end of the doubles match, which the Bryan brothers won. The seat I was in for the day session today is mine now for the rest of the tournament (day sessions & finals) and I was impressed. I am half way up the top tier above where the players come onto court.

First full match I saw was Kim v Li. It was a straightforward 1st set for Kim, 6-2 with some good play but too many errors from Li. 2nd set was slightly more interesting as Kim had a slight wobble but managed to come through and win 6-4 for a straight sets victory.

And onto Andy Murray……….FUCK!!!!! I gave him a big MTL cheer when he came onto court from all you guys. 2 BP’s to Andy in the 6 game but can’t take any of them. Cilic has 1 himself next game, which Andy saved with an ace. The break comes in the 11 game to give Cilic a 6-5 lead, which he serves out, set 7-5.

2nd set starts and Cilic gets a break 1st game. Next service game from Andy is a shocker and Cilic breaks again. Andy has a few BP’s but doesn’t take any and Cilic serves the set out 6-2.

3rd set starts the same way as the 2nd, break to Cilic. At this point I knew it was over, no movement, no fight, nothing from Andy. He wanted to be anywhere but on that court and it showed. Lots of people started to leave at this point and I was tempted to join them but I always stay to the end and Cilic deserved a cheer. Set ends 6-2 and Andy is out.

I then went onto Armstrong, as I knew Tsonga v Nando was due up next after the Ladies doubles. Caught most of that match, which Stubbs & Stosur won in straights.

Ben – gave Tsonga a big fanboy cheer for you when he walked onto court! Bad start from Nando, Jo breaks to go 3-1 and Nando is hitting the serve speed board and giving away his racquet! Break back chance to Nando in game 7 but he nets it. Set points to Jo, he eventually takes 1 and wins the first set 6-3.

Early break for Nando to go 3-1 up. Jo has a chance to break back but misses and the crowd start to get pumped up as Nando goes to 4-1. It is now 6.30 and the night session is due to start in 30 minutes. I need to get to my seat and get some food, do I stay and watch this or go watch Serena………….I think I will stay here! 3 BP go astray from Jo in the 6th game. Nando get 2 set points and wins it with an ace, 7-6.

Stopped taking notes as the crowd was really getting into the match and I decided to just enjoy the experience. Anyway 4th set, 1 break and Nando wins 6-4 to take the match 3-1.

Made a mad dash over to Ashe and got into my seat about 5 minutes before Rafa came on court. Was feeling slightly nervous and stomach churning, never did get any food!!

Not a good start from Rafa as Gael takes the 2nd of this first breaks points to go 3-1 up. Rafa gets the break back in the 9th game and it goes with serve and we have a TB. A few FH errors from Rafa and Gael holds to take the TB and the set, 7-6.

Gael has BP in the first game and I thought, “oh shit” but it is long from Gael and Rafa holds. Rafa breaks in the next game, gives it back then breaks again, bloody roller coaster ride with Rafa! Holds serve and finally takes his 4th set point to win it 6-3.

Early break for Rafa at the start of the 3rd set. He gets another to go 4-1 up and Gael calls for the trainer. We hear via the radio commentary that he wants his wrist re-strapping and nothing serious. Another break comes along and Rafa takes his 2nd set point to wrap it up 6-1. At this point I knew he would win but still wanted a good match from Gael who does enjoy getting the crowd going, yes even I was clapping for him!

Another break early on and Rafa in up 3-1 but Gael gets the break straight back and it is back on serve. A DF gives Rafa 3 more BP’s and another DF gives it to him for 5-3. Rafa serves it out for the match. Obviously very happy that my man won and I get to see him play again. Gael got a great reception when he left court and rightly so, shame I didn’t get any acrobatics but I did get the splits!!

Anyway onto the subway for the trip back to the hotel. Had not eaten since breakfast so I made a detour to Burger King and got some fries and onion rings. Eat them when I got back to my room at 00.45, my head hit the pillow at 01.00.

Again hope you have enjoyed reading.