!98042096 [Greetings. The poster known to most of you as Todd and in Charge has sent us a postcard from Miami; feel free to comment on the day's action at this post. I'm hijacking Deuce Club this afternoon, because I'm late sending Jackie-Oh my copy (sorry, Jackie), but she'll be around this evening to share stories at the pet-themed post. I'll be around all weekend, then traveling to Miami early Monday to provide live coverage for the duration - PB]
What a treat to be able to finally break away from my day job in downtown Miami and venture across Biscayne Bay to catch some tennis! Although I can see the Key from my office, being out there is like another world entirely.
Today was picture perfect for South Florida, with clear skies, light breeze, and lots of sun. As you cross the Rickenbacker Causeway onto Key Biscayne, you experience the magical buzz of the setting -- lots of signs, posters, palm trees, police officers directing traffic, fancy people in fancy cars with their tops down, shuttle buses, giant tennis balls and blue blue water everywhere.
I love the first week of this tournament. I like seeing all the players practicing, running laps, working on their games, working on their hopes. There is such optimism early on, where possibilities can seem endless -- until you find yourself facing Roger Federer in stadium court.The recent "freeze" killed all the giant wild iguanas that used to roam the grounds, and perhaps that's just as well with all the human predators taking to the courts.
Today, I watched a very comfortable Andy Murray work on his return of serve, while on the next practice court Roger Federer sweated through a vigorous - and fan-friendly - workout. In the stadium Ivanovic handily defeated Parmentier 6-4, 6-3, though Ana clearly is off her game. She inexplicably dumped too many balls into the net, and she continues to rely on that ugly backhand slice which is more suited to my rec league than a former number one.
I'm glad I caught her early because I'm not sure how much further she will advance.I also watched Petrova -- surprise! -- struggle to close out her match against Krumm, and Chela -- surprise! -- struggle to close out his match against Lorenzi. The South American players are very popular here, and there were numerous excited chants of "Chela!!" and "Vamos!!" as this talented headcase made it through another round.Maybe the possibilities really are endless.
-- Lance Harke
PS - You can follow my tweets from the Sony here.