Last updated: 19/01/2015

Judy Murray: Australian Open Blog 3

Andy Murray is off and running at the Australian Open after a straight-sets win over Yuki Bhambri.

Mum, Judy, has also been in the thick of the action and in her third blog from Melbourne Park the Fed Cup captain has been sampling the delights of the Player Cafe.

Read Judy’s second blog where she took us on a journey to Hobart to witness Heather Watson’s fine second WTA Tour title.

Good mood after food:

Goodness me. That appears to be the motto of the Australian Open Player Cafe. There's a new chef in situ - Markus Werner - and he feeds the players, staff, fans and corporate diners. The players’ cafe and lounge has doubled in size (so it's a whole lot more comfortable) and there's a bigger variety of food than ever before. Guided by nutritionists, the players’ bodies are temples and only ‘good stuff’ is allowed to enter.

Aus Open Food Court
Sushi & Korean BBQ station in the Player Cafe

 

There is a new sushi and Korean BBQ station. Sushi is very popular with the players and there are more Asian players than ever in the draw so it's important to cater for all tastes.

Also available is a hot food station, pasta bar (with gluten free options) and sandwich stop, a salad bar (with black rice, quinoa and freekeh) plus a coffee shop which has a reasonable section of (small) cakes and some chocolate bars, as well as some rather dull granola things :)

Aus Open Juice Bar
The juice & smoothie station is very popular with players

 

I think my fave station (apart from the cakes) is the smoothie station. This year it has got a new juice menu with some seriously weird but undoubtedly healthy items. I mean just look at these.

Aus Open MenuHow gross do some of these sound?! The menu at the smoothie station. 

 

Apparently the Pick Me Up is very popular - kale, cucumber, ginger and goji berries. Rather you than me, mate.

With the tourney running day and night, the cafe is open all hours that players are around. This doesn't happen at every Slam. Some shut up shop around 9pm so if you have a night match, it's tough to get fed afterwards. A few of the top players rent apartments at the Slams and employ their own chefs so that they can be fed what they want/need whenever they want/need. It is so important to refuel/rehydrate at the right times with the right things....

As you can see Wardy eats Fisherman's Friend mints while spectating. :)

James WardJames Ward keeping it fresh courtside. 

Let’s all have a sing song:

There was more than a bit of excitement in the Player Cafe this afternoon when the cast of The Lion King breezed in and did an impromptu performance of The Circle of Life. So cool.

Aus Open Lion KingAmazing. Cast of The Lion Kingbreak into song. 

 

Talking of The Lion King, Andy certainly felt the love tonight on the newly-roofed Margaret Court Arena. These guys - the ANDY fans - have been supporting for about seven years now and they have got an amazing range of crazy chants and dances at changeovers. Big fun!

Aus Open Andy FansThe awesome ANDY fans. Keep it up guys!

Next generation:

Early this morning I met these little dudes on site. 20 of them from Parks Tennis Club - 11 hours drive from Melbourne - who are in town for a three day Aus Open experience with their coach and a few parent helpers. What a wonderful opportunity and how great that Tennis Australia recognises the importance of inspiring the next generation by bringing them close to the action. I remember bringing Jamie and Andy (age eight and seven) to Wimbledon with 28 others from Dunblane Tennis Club way back. And look what happened to them :)

Aus Open Next GenerationWith 20 kids from Parks Tennis Club!
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