By Jackie Roe, TW Social Director
Wednesday, 8/11
Land in Toronto. Funny moment at the Toronto airport: After he learns that I'm visiting Canada for the tennis tournament, the customs agent asks me who my favorite player is. I say Roger Federer. Customs guy: You're in.
My first day at the tournament site. Idyllic tennis-spectating weather - temperatures in the low 80s, sunny, very little humidity (at least compared to what we experience in Chicago).
Organized, well-run tournament. Everyone helpful and accommodating. Getting around a hassle-free experience. (Getting to the tournament a different story - it's an interminable drive from downtown, where the hotels are). Felt at home within just a few hours.
Special thanks also go out to Steve, who was was nice enough to give me the 411 on all press matters and show me around the site. Navigating the media areas - media room, interview room, media seating, etc. - was easier here than in the other tournaments I've covered. Very little walking required.
Took a seat on Centre Court for Nalbandian vs. Soderling.
Stayed on Centre for Federer-Llodra.
Note about the interview room: The setup is unique, as the players aren't positioned behind a table like we're used to. Instead, they're seated on lounge chairs, facing the media, and equipped with lavalier mics. Sort of like a talk-show setup. I liked this, and I imagine the players did, too. They seemed more comfortable, more at ease. More laughter and joking around. The interaction felt like a conversation rather than a Q & A/being in front of a firing squad.
Impressions of Nalby in presser mode: Positive, pleasant, polite. Attributed his winning streak to increased motivation.
Met up with Mariya from TalkAboutTennis.com - a fabulous gal, just as witty and amiable in person as she is online.
Then came Llodra's presser.
Watched Lindstedt and Tecau practice. Seems like a true business relationship. Very serious, intense session. Little conversing between the two. (Maybe that explains their success!)
Caught a few minutes of Djokovic-Hanescu on Grandstand. Out of the heat, Nole almost seems like a different person. Much more confident, markedly better movement.
Finished off the day with Nadal-Anderson. Many of you know that I've supported Anderson for a while now, thanks to the fact that we share the same alma mater. He's actually not as young as he seems (he's 24), but you get the sense that he'll continue to improve, that he has the potential to get better by leaps and bounds. I've held out hope that his almost-breakthroughs (beating Djokovic in Key Biscayne in '08 and Querrey here) are glimpses of what's ahead.
General observations:
The true highlights of the day were meeting up with TWibers for the first time!
That's all for now ... Day 1's in the books! I'll save today's and tomorrow's happenings for my next post, going up Sunday morning. Be on the lookout, and thanks for reading. Enjoy the start of your weekend, TWibe!