Well it's another sunny, breezy and beautiful South Florida morning, perfect weather to officially start a tennis tournament.
Today is Kids' Day, when all the local schools with tennis teams take a field trip to the tournament. They all gather on the Grandstand Court and get to meet several of the pros, take lessons, and play some games. In years past Jonas Bjorkman has been a major and gracious participant in this event. It's a hoot to see all the juniors in their team colors, with their coaches and parents, walking around the tournament in packs -- it's a chance to see first-hand that our sport retains its youth, optimism, and vitality.
Matches I plan on stopping by for include lucky loser Dudi Sela, who lost in qualifying but will still be playing Lleyton Hewitt on Stadium Court; Gulbis against Baghditis; Luby against Oscar Hernandez; and of course personal fave Jelena Dokic, who takes on Gallovitz later today.
Haas, Youhzny, Hantuchova, Mirzna and many more all see action today as well.
You can follow my "tweets" on what I see here.
Oh, tonight all the pros will be feted at the exclusive and very hot new club LIV, at the Fontainebleau on Miami Beach, where Wyclef Jean is expected to perform.
It's tough being a tennis star nowadays.
- Lance Harke