Judy Murray blogs from the Australian Open, going behind the scenes of week 2 at the first Grand Slam of the year.
G'day mates. What a difference a week makes. The player areas are deserted. But thankfully still desserted.
Fresh fruit tart made especially for me by Le Petit Gateau in Little Collins St. D.Lishus.
Yep week 2 of a Slam is a totally different vibe from week 1. Mainly because there are hardly any players left which means way less matches to schedule and therefore way less for the fans to watch. The Australian Open do a great job of filling the outside courts with juniors, legends, wheelchair tennis and even some Club Team Tennis. So much activity ...
GB has a couple of juniors in the girls’ singles - Harriet the Dartist and Well Dunne (Katy). Plus Lucy Shuker and Andy Lapthorne in the wheelchair tennis draw. Watched Well Dunne beating Miss Ip of Hong Kong today to get through to last 16 to face a Russian.
This is Jeremy Bates trying to retrieve his bottle of water which had rolled under the bleachers. Had no idea he was so versatile.
Some interesting names in the junior events. There's a Tomic (Sara, 14 year-old sis of Bernie), a Kiick and a Loeb (chances of that??), and if you’re looking for a bit of pain relief ... you can even find A.Spirin in the boys draw … How good is that?
There's always loads of entertainment around the grounds. Yesterday I spotted the Melbourne Park Juggler - making a racket!! Sorry, couldn't resist. Today I found a magician (dressed as a clown).
He said: "would you like me to perform a trick for you?" So I asked him to make Fed and Djoko disappear. Giggle. Giggle.
It’s been ridiculously hot over here and of course the sun is brutal. Great that there is a doctor on site doing skin cancer consultations for all the players. Smart move.
Anyone watch Djoko v The Berd? I'm not sure about Berd's short shorts. Not sure at all. Apparently his kit is H&M. That's his new sponsor. Hmmmm. I think we are going to find more fashion chains/labels getting into tennis clothing ... best outfit I saw this year was Wozza's yellow and white Stella McCartney dress by Adidas. Tres chic.
Enough for tonight. Had great dinner at Nobu with Andy, Kim and Nigel Sears. Rock Shrimp Tempura with char-grilled asparagus pour moi. Yes, it’s not all cakes n chocolate.
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