Hi de Hi people!!! Sorry, couldn't resist. It’s just that I've got into that holiday camp spirit. And no, I don't mean Butlins. I'm talking La Manga....for our off season training. I mean, where else can you get great weather, amazing facilities and Miguel the red coat all thrown in.
Ok so Miguel came with us. He's not part of the resort package. His real name is Colin Beecher. By day he is an LTA coach - with a penchant for expensive men’s grooming products - but at night he turns into a kind of frustrated - and hyperactive - "entertainment technician". His words. I've never seen a transformation quite like this and am seriously considering selling him to Simon Cowell. For a large fee.
Last night's X Factor, compered by Mini Mark Hilton, was a riot. 10 acts which included Millers and Trotters in Santa dresses (yes, dresses), a Jeremy Kyle spoof starring Burton, Ward-Hibbert and Bambo and a dance routine led by O'Mara and Ashley with Wealer, Marzi and Pauffley throwing some serious shapes in the backing group. Absolutely brilliant fun.
I was allowed to be Sharon Osbourne. Cheers. Martin Weston was David Walliams. Greg was asked to be Simon Cowell but insisted on being The Hoff. Better body apparently. :-)
Check out the photos from the night on the right-hand side of the page.
The night before was a TT challenge with running commentary on the mike from Pete Ashley. Funny kid. As in haha, not weird. Well he was a little weird in his flamenco dress during X Factor. But it kind of suited him.
All good fun but also great experience of performing in front of a crowd. Very important part of a young player’s tennis education.
Oh yes. We played some tennis too. Lots actually. Did some training - and some hill runs - played some footy, videoed some matches, hit the gym....and the physios (not literally)....and even got some GPS data with the performance analyst.
Meet Rafa. No, not that one. He's one of the coaches at La Manga. And he was LOVING posing with JoKo and Sam Murray.
All in all a super camp with an incredible team spirit and atmosphere. Work hard, play hard. If you’re going to get anywhere in tennis, you need to learn to love working hard. Great to see the juniors mixing it with the older players and starting to learn what the life of a tennis pro is all about. That part of their education is crucial. It’s not all about hitting fluffy yellow balls.......
Ok so we have perfected the tennis. Let's try footy. Here's a tip girls....do not run into Beef or Dave the Rave Sammel. These guys are animals.
Anyway, that's enough for u today... back to work. In the sunshine. Yeah, I know you’re jealous. And I know I'm lucky to be able to work in the sport that I love. In the sunshine :) Have a great day, guys! X
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