LONDON, UK - Rennae Stubbs has had some of her greatest moments at Wimbledon - winning the grass court Grand Slam title twice, in 2001 with Lisa Raymond and in 2004 with Cara Black. This year she'll go for a third with fellow Australian Samantha Stosur, and write the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour Blog along the way.
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Monday, July 6, 2009
Hi everyone and welcome to the last and final blog from Wimbledon.
Sorry I havent written in a few days, I have been a little busy packing up my apartment here at Wimbledon and getting all the last minute things together, as well as being a little tired yesterday! So, unfortunately we lost in the final, but it was a great match and the atmosphere was awesome! The Williams siters were just a little better on the big points on Saturday and that's all it takes sometimes, but like I said, it was a privilege to walk onto Centre Court and play a final again here at Wimbledon and be watched by the best fans in tennis. They just love the doubles here and even some familiar faces like Billie Jean King... it was so cool to see her up there watching us play, it just makes me try even harder! We had some fun points and in the end it was a memorable match and tourmanent. Sam and I took all our friends and support group out after we finally did our drug testing. If only you guys knew what we do after matches! Here are me, Sam, Serena and Venus all sitting around after press, sitting in this little office area, waiting to do our drug testing, but no one could go! It was funny! I went first, thank God... then we went for a LATE dinner, then again I did end up dancing with Serena and Venus at the only venue open after midnight in Wimbledon Village, and I think I managed to sneak out and not pay them for the drinks they bought me, fair is fair right! Winners should always pay! Ha ha...
Serena was way too good on the day in singles earlier. She was serving unbelievably all day, trust me I saw enough of them go by me at 120 miles an hour, and she was a little mentally tougher than Venus in the end, a suprise in some way, but on the other hand, it must be so diffcult to play your sister at your best all the time, and Venus looked very flat and not at her best for sure. Credit Serena though, she was flawless.
The men's final yesterday was a heartbreaker for Andy Roddick and I was so sad for him in the end. Roger is a great champion and proved why he will go down as the best ever. Fifteen Grand Slams proves it now. But I hope Andy Roddick comes back here one day and gets to hold that trophy he so desperately wants, because after yesterday, I have never seen anyone deserve it more. He was so humble and gracious after the match and I am proud to call him a friend. I was never more proud of him yesterday. Keep your head up Andy, one day it will happen.
Okay everyone, well it's been fun letting you in on my daily life and grind here at Wimbledon. I hope to do it one day again soon. Have a terrific summer and see you all back for the US OPEN! NY here we come! But for now, as they say here in England... CHEERS! I am off to get on my flight to Washington for World TeamTennis. Come watch if you get a chance, I am playing for the Washington Kastles... adios!
Rennae
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Friday, July 3, 2009
Hi all...
So, another day down and another successful day at the office for Sam and myself. This morning started as it has many times this past fortnight, getting up and having an espresso latte - did I tell you we actually bought a machine here in London so we could make our own at the apartment we are renting? Yes, we Aussies like our good coffee and the Starbucks up the street just doesn't do it for us. So, coffee, and then I have to give Sam props as she made me breakfast this morning, eggs and baked beans and a muffin. Wow, what a nice partner I have, I tell you. She is a messy little you know what, but she cooks, so can't complain too much! Ha! She said she might do it again tomorrow too!
Anyway, I have been around a long time and played many matches in my career and it's days like today that make going through the hard work, training and days of discipline and nightmare travel days worth it. These days and getting another opportunity to play in a Grand Slam final at 38 here at Wimbledon is a privilege and one that I never take for granted, and I am glad you have been along for the ride with me so far and I hope you all think positive thoughts for another day!
So, Roger and Andy, no not Murray, but Roddick. I have to say, I am sure the tournament wanted Murray and Federer, and apparently the Queen was going to come out if that was the final, but I was happy to see Roddick win his way through to the final. It's been a hard slog over the last few years for Andy and I think he has worked so hard on his fitness and mind that I was happy to see him over the hurdle again. Now the next hurdle might be impossible, but at least he has given himself the chance. Sunday will be a special day either way for one of the men's finalists, so we'll wait and see. It's either going to be one massive upset or a record breaking 15th Grand Slam title for Roger Federer. Word on the street is Sampras is coming over to see the mantle passed as the official tag of greatest ever given to Roger.
And women's final day and the doubles finals are contested. Williams vs. Williams again, I think Venus wins, but anything can happen, Serena has proven me wrong before. Then the men's doubles between the best two teams in the world of Bryan/Bryan and Nestor/Zimonjic. I can't pick a winner there, it's just too close between them. And then our match against the Williams sisters. It's going to be a long day, but a nice day, and I look forward to telling you all about it tomorrow night... Cheers everyone!!
R
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Thursday, July 2, 2009
Good evening everyone...
Today was quite the day again at Wimbledon, another beautiful day... and how about that first semifinal! Unbelievable! It was a thriller and a big congratulations to Serena for hanging in against a valiant Elena Dementieva, who held a match point today in the third set, but Serena fought it off and in the end, found a way to win and make her way through to another Wimbledon final. Awaiting her in the final is, yep you guessed it, big sister Venus, for the fourth time against one another. Venus was flawless today. She showed the world why she is the best grass court player in the world and little sis' is going to have to play the match of her life to deny Venus a sixth Wimbledon title and a hat-trick on Saturday. I hope the final is as good as last year's match.
Anyway, it was a nice day for me. I practiced at 1pm with Sam and then had a massage, watched a little tennis and all in all, a stress-free day, finally. BUT, having said that, tomorrow it all begins again. Semifinal day, and it starts at 1pm on Court 3 against Ruano Pascual and Medina Garrigues for us and the Williams sisters take on Black and Huber in the other semi. So on that note, I am off to brush the teeth and head to bed. Night all, and have a great day.
R
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Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Hi all...
Well, another day done at Wimbledon... phew! What a day it was. Sam and I made it through our quarterfinal. It was a tough one and I can tell you, I have had enough of the Sun at Wimbledon! And I never thought I would say that. I have played at a time in the day, around 7pm three nights in a row, where the Sun is shining right in your eyes down one end of the court, and at times, finding the ball in that sunlight is tough for everyone.
Anyway, the tennis was really quite good today on the men's side. Hewitt and Roddick's match was an epic, Roddick pulled it out in the end, but what an amazing effort by Lleyton. He almost rolled back the years today with a gallant effort, nothing unusual for him, but also Roddick fights as well as anyone too. Two former No.1s going at it for a semifinal berth. Roger cruised through his match, he is just so special, the way he makes Karlovic's serve so average is incredible. Then good old Andy Murray also cruised through his match against Ferrero. The Brits are starting to get excited!! IS IT POSSIBLE that there could be a Murray-Federer final??? Well don't get ahead of yourselves kids. Tommy Haas is playing the best tennis of his life right now, and serve and volleying up a storm. Way to go Tommy today, and Roddick might have a few things to say about that, so we will see.
Tomorrow its women's semifinal day and like I said yesterday, you know how I feel about that, but pressure can get the better of you sometimes, so the Williams sisters will still have to play their best to get past two of the best in the world in Dementieva and Safina. Good luck to all women for their matches.
Okay, well it's bedtime for me and I have to go clean the kitchen because Sam Stosur has this amazing ability of leaving plates and stuff everywhere! I tell you, she is a lazy little housemate! Okay, fine, she cooks once in a while and I always have to hear about it, but boy she really doesn't clean around here very well. Oh she does her laundry, we have decided to call her laundry lady, she loves doing her laundry!
Okay everyone, night night! Talk tomorrow! Oh I dont play tomorrow, so finally a day off, a little practice and massage day for me.
Ciao!
R
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Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Hi everyone.
Well it's been another long day at the courts, so tonight's blog might not be that long, but then again, Sabine Lisicki told me today, 'Hey, your blog wasn't very long last night,' when I saw her today! So, now I have to make sure I write a little more tonight or she will get on me again! Ha! As far as Sabine, she really gave Dinara Safina a run for her money in her first Grand slam quarterfinal today, super effort and nice tournament. Also my friend Francesca Schiavone, she had a tough one with Elena Dementieva, who has been playing some terrific tennis these past 10 days and again displayed her class in the quarters today. Too good Elena, but great tournament Francesca. She is one of the nicest people on tour and deserved to have a nice run here at Wimbledon. I call her Frank, so Frank, well done and bad luck today, but no matter what, you will always see a smile on Francesca and Sabine, two sweet girls.
Now the other quarterfinals were between Venus and Agnieszka Radwanska and Serena and Victoria Azarenka, a match-up between two of the greats of the game and two young contenders trying to knock down the wall. Both Williams sisters played flawless today and I expect their opponents now realize why it is they have dominated here at Wimbledon over the last decade. I believe that Victoria will be going further in this tournament one day, next year might be the year. She is a Grand Slam contender no doubt, she has the weapons and the belief, she just has to bring it in the Slams. She is getting closer and I believe it's only a matter of time.
Having said that, I believe there is no doubt we are going to see a Williams final again this year. They are so superior at their best on grass because they move so well, serve huge and have weapons that allow them to come forward to the net, which they do so well. And I believe playing doubles here every year helps them hone those skills. Venus to me is the favorite, as she uses those weapons and comes into the net more than Serena, and I believe that's the difference, but you never know! Serena has always liked to prove people wrong. I wish Elena and Dinara good luck, but to me, they are going to have to attack on every opportunity to stop the Williamses reaching another final here at Wimbledon.
Okay, well enough for tonight, I lost my mixed, but it was a good match and I wish my opponents good luck. Ai Sugyama is a friend, so if I am going to lose at least it's to someone I like. Night night everyone, I've got to get some sleep, I am playing doubles third on, so off for my rest, I need it. cheers as they say here and night night!
R
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Monday, June 29, 2009
Hi everyone,
Okay, well I am going to make this one a little short tonight, because it's late and boy am I tired! I can't handle these long mixed doubles matches, ha ha! I managed to squeak out a win, 8-6 in the third, and I was happy to win it for my partner, who had a tough day in doubles, losing earlier in the day. Sorry Robert, but I am glad we got a win for you in the end.
I am not on the schedule for doubles tomorrow, but I am playing mixed again. Part of me is happy about that, as two matches in one day gets harder and harder as you get a little older, and I am no spring chicken. So, maybe the referee felt bad for me!
Anyway, I know this is a lame effort tonight but I've got to get my beauty sleep. That means getting as much as possible right now! Night all... Rennae
P.S. Word on the street is that Stosur's Chicken Surprise is on the menu for tomorrow night! Yippee!
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Sunday, June 28, 2009
Hi all...
Well what an awesome Sunday it was! Had a nice hit this morning and a workout, a little physio, then headed up to the village for some lunch with friends. After that, we all decided to head into my friend Bettina and Phillipe Bonnefoy's place in Kensington for a really nice afternoon, chilling out with them and their kids, enjoying the UNBELIEVABLE weather and company.
I am very lucky that throughout the years I have made some incredible friends travelling the world. Bettina, funnily enough, used to work on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour back in the early '90s. Yes, I was playing then, remember! Bettina and I became friends and have remained in contact throughout the years. She then married an Australian and, well, let's put it this way, we enjoy our wines and we have a lot of fun! Don't worry, I didn't drink today, as I have a long week ahead of me hopefully and a match tomorrow, but I did allow myself to have one glass! And believe me, there was more than one bottle opened. Unfortunately, I didn't get to partake in any more than allotted to me. I was there with Conchita Martínez and Lyndsey and others and, well, they took care of all the amazing wine that Phillipe opened. I will say, the one glass I had was a 1985 Haut Brion, and for those of you who know your wine, it was pretty special! Thankfully Philippe is a heavy pourer!
Okay, enough said, I don't want you all to have this crazy idea that I drink a lot, but remember I am 38 and, well, you learn to appreciate your wines as you mature! Phillipe has promised me that if I do really well here at Wimbledon he will open an even better bottle for me! So, I have even more incentive to have a successful week.
Anyway gang, I am off to bed to get ready for my match tomorrow. I am playing mixed third match and I look forward to it, as I love playing mixed. It's a different pressure, more fun and enjoyable, and I will get a chance to take one of the men's towels. Yes, we essentially steal them from the court, but hey, watch Roger, he takes all his towels off the court too, it's not just me! So for now, enjoy your Sunday or what's left of it, for me, it's adios!
R
P.S. Can I just give a shout out to all the Aussies in the crowd for supporting me and Sam this past week, you guys have been great! On ya! (That's Australian for thanks!)
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Saturday, June 27, 2009
Hi everyone...
So another day down and another beautiful day here at Wimbledon. Actually for the first time since I have been here it was cloudy. It sprinkled a little during our match today, but no play was stopped once again - it has been a miracle first week! Oh yeah, our match - we won! It was a good day at the office for Stosur and Stubbs. A little tough for Sam, who lost earlier in the day to Ana Ivanovic in singles, but a good effort to come back and play well in the doubles. It's never easy to do after losing your singles, but all good professionals come out to play no matter what and give there best. Some on the other hand don't, not mentioning any names, but Sam did today and that's what you always hope from your partner.
There were some upsets today. Kudos to Melanie Oudin, the young 17-year-old, yes I said 17. She wasn't even born when I played my first Wimbledon, I mean that's ridiculous, right? Anyway enough about me, holy cow, she knocked off Jelena Jankovic today in three sets. She had a massive disappointment when she had so many chances to win the first set and we players were in the locker room thinking, that's it, she had her chance... and then boom, she comes back and wins in three sets. That just shows you this young lady has some massive amounts of courage and guts, congrats Melanie.
Another upset was the French Open champion Svetlana Kuznetsova, who lost to Germany's Sabine Lisicki, who sees me in the locker room after her match and says, 'Can you believe it, until this Wimbledon, I hadn't even won a match on grass!' Well Sabine, you can't say that anymore, well done too. You see at Wimbledon, we still have a bit of a class system, because there are two locker rooms: one is the member locker room, which is reserved for the Top 16 singles seeds and a few ex-champions playing the event like Mauresmo and Sharapova, and then there is the north/south locker room downstairs, which is for everyone else. It starts becoming a bit like a contest to see how many top seeds the lower locker can win and today the bottom locker room had a great day! It's just a funny thing, but hey it keeps us entertained down there.
Okay everyone, it's the middle Sunday of Wimbledon tomorrow and we players LOVE IT!!! It gives us all a chance to have that mental break we crave and also a chance to get our bodies back feeling good. It might be resting completely, but in the end, it's all an individual decision as to how you spend it to try and get yourselves prepared for a run into the second week. Me, well I plan on hitting at 11am and then being done for the day and spending a normal day with friends hanging out and chillin'.
So for now, have a GREAT weekend and we'll talk again soon! NIGHT NIGHT ALL...
Rennae
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Friday, June 26, 2009
Hi everyone...
What a day it was again. Sunshine was abundant once again and tennis was played, but the day started with a text from my friend Sarah in Australia telling me Michael Jackson died. Incredible... I just couldn't believe it. And now I am sitting here writing this blog watching another one of Michael's videos, because we are having a tribute night at the apartment. I was sitting watching a video compilation and I actually got really sad because the whole thing reminded me of my childhood. I mean who doesn't have the Thriller album! I have it back at my mum's house in vinyl... He was so iconic to me growing up and I had every album and tried all the dance moves, yes including the moonwalk, you TYPE A personalities know what I am talking about! You all tried it once in your life! I actually one time saw him walking along the Champs-Élysées in Paris. I was walking with Lisa Raymond and she said to me, 'Look at this guy trying to be like Michael Jackson, what a joke,' then we got a little closer and I go, 'Ah, that's because it is Michael Jackson!' We then started stalking him up the Champs-Élysées! Anyway, a sad day for those of us that grew up with Michael. RIP Michael.
As for the tennis, it was a good day for Stosur/Stubbs. We won in straight sets, which is good for Sam as she has singles and doubles tomorrow, so a quick match is always good when you have a lot of tennis to play the next day. Okay everyone, I am really tired and play tomorrow fourth on, Sam plays first at noon again against Ana Ivanovic, so that will be a good match I am sure. Good luck partner and we will see you all tomorrow.
Night...
Rennae
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Thursday, June 25, 2009
Hi all... Another day down and another beautiful weather day here in London. It's starting to feel weird I tell you, I am actually getting sunburned! Yes, sunburned! I never usually need my sunscreen here but it's getting a workout right now, and the weather is actually making the courts even slower and higher-bouncing than usual, because without moisture, the grass doesn't grow as much, and it gets harder underneath. The groundsmen are probably shocked at having to water the courts at night. Yes, they water the courts, just like in your backyard. Then in the morning they cut the grass, but if it doesn't grow due to lack of water, there isn't much to cut, and so long grass right now is starting to feel like straw, which means really long baseline points! WHAT'S GOING ON WITH WIMBLEDON! Bring back the serve and volley!
So another good day for my partner Sam Stosur. She won a really close match, coming back from a break down in both the second and third sets to win 46 76(6) 64 against Tatjana Malek from Germany. It was a very tough match and I am sure Sam was relieved to get through it. I think she is taking an ice bath as I type this actually. I hit after Sam's match and then headed back to the apartment. My girlfriend Lyndsey is cooking up an awesome vegetable soup tonight with sausage, so hopefully that's a winner meal for our match tomorrow! Word on the street for tomorrow is it might rain though. Oh well, I guess they are going to finally get to use that roof after all, but we will see.
Okay, there isn't much gossip to report today kids, so sorry about that, I will try and do better tomorrow. Okay gang, I am off for a bite to eat.
R
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Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Hi all...
So, another day down here in the UK and what a great day it was. I cannot get over how amazing the weather has been since the tournament has started, wouldn't it be hilarious if it doesn't rain a drop! Why you ask, well, for the first time ever, Wimbledon finally has a roof and wouldn't you know it, they might not get to push the button to close it! I think it would be funny, but reality is, I have played this tournament way too many times to think it's not going to rain. Only once since I have played has that happened, so get ready people, it's going to happen, just not tomorrow by the weather reports.
Okay, so professionally it was a good day as Sam and I won. We were first match at noon, which most players love, because it's the only match where we know exactly when we're going start, and you're finished nice and early compared to people who are fourth match and may not get off the court till 9:30pm. That schedule is not fun at all. Our opponents were two Brits and two friends of ours, Sarah Borwell and Anne Keothavong. It's never really fun to play friends. Don't get me wrong, you want to win, but you wish it didn't have to be against people you like. The last few Christmases after spending time with my family, I have spent hanging with Sarah and her family, who always visit their other daughter from the UK in Sydney, because why would anyone want to be in London if they could be in sunny Sydney playing a little cricket on the beach? And, well, maybe having a beverage or two. Her sister lives near my family in Sydney, although Sarah's dad told me after the match today with a smile that they may not let me join them this year after beating Sarah today.
Anyway, there were a few really close matches today, and none closer than Sharapova and Dulko. Maria is definitely lacking match practice and that confidence she had last year when she dominated the early stages of 2008, but coming back from a major injury is never easy and I expect by the US Open she will be back to her winning ways. But credit to Gisella Dulko, who pulled of a fabulous win on the biggest of stages today. Serena won comfortably, as did some other big names, but the one to watch after today may be Victoria Azarenka. She was on fire, winning 60 60. As the week goes on, I might get into who I think may be the one to beat, but for now, let's let the chips fall where they may. BTW, I forgot to mention yesterday the terrific effort from Kimiko Date Krumm. Are you kidding me, at 39, yes, 39, she is older than me and that's saying something, almost pulled off a win against a Top 10 player and the Eastbourne champ from last week. Kimiko, what an effort from the old girl!
Okay everyone, talk tomorrow, no match for me, but Sam is up in singles at noon. All the best mate.
Rennae
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Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Hi again all, hope you had a nice day! For me, it was my calm before the storm as Sam and I are scheduled tomorrow first on at 12. So to prepare for the day, I went to the courts to watch Sam at 12, where she had a win over a tough opponent in Bethanie Mattek-Sands from the US in three sets. Then, I went off to practice from 2-4 with my friend, Virginia Ruano Pascual. I have to say, a really nice moment today was walking onto the practice court and walking past a sitting Roger Federer, who was on the court right next to me. I walked by him and he said hi, which he does all the time. He is so sweet and I put my hand out and congratulated him on winning the French Open. He responded with thanks very much. I have played on this tour for 20 years and I have to say, he is without question one of the nicest and most genuinely classy guys you could ever meet.
So, I finished my practice and walked back to the locker room to find a physio to do some work on my old body. I managed to get a massage too. I know I am a lucky girl, but honestly people, at my age, I need all the help I can get! So give me a break. I have decided my other job this week is to try and get all my fellow competitors to pick up their towels and used bottles and garbage in the locker room. I get so annoyed with the lack of respect some of the players on our tour have for their surroundings, so I am on the war path with those around my locker! Leave your towel on the ground or your old water bottle and I am going to let you know about it. Any player reading my blog, look out! Throw it in the towel bin or in the garbage, you can do it. Thanks!
Anyway, I headed back to the apartment to watch a little more tennis before heading to dinner. Our TV lets us watch something like four courts and there were some really great matches still going on, good old Andy Murray got through for the Brits, boy does he have some pressure on him. Also, Ana Ivanovic won an unbelievable match against Lucie Hradecka, 8-6 in the third, wow! What a heartbreaker. Earlier in the day, Venus Williams stepped out on Centre Court to defend her title. Wimbledon Centre Court must feel like her backyard these days, I tell you.
Okay, so again, I am off to bed after a yummy Indian dinner from the restaurant up the street and a relaxing night. To all my friends out there reading my blog, hi, and you're being missed here at Wimbledon. Night night all.
Rennae
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Monday, June 22, 2009
Hi everyone and welcome back,
As promised, I will fill you in on today's comings and goings as I managed to finally make my way onto the hallowed grounds of the All-England Club for some practice. As I said yesterday, it's always a special moment when you drive through those gates for the first time, but my first practice for the day was actually off site at a different club, as sometimes the practice early in the tournament can be tough on site, so I sent a text to one of our Aussie juniors and said, 'Hey Bella,' as in Isabella Holland, 'You want to hit some?!' So off I went and whacked a few balls around with one of our promising juniors for a bit. Hopefully I managed to give her a good hit, as she was playing a doubles match later in her junior tournament.
After that practice, I finally headed to Wimbledon, where I checked in, got my badge from the "girls"... that's what I call them, the ladies I have known, well some anyway, for 20 years working the desk where we players check in! Jane, Jean, Ann, etc. give us our badges and eventually our tickets that we beg them for, for our friends and friends' friends, and long-lost relatives that want tickets. Well you get the picture. It's amazing how many friends we players have once Wimbledon pops around. Every day, you'll see the players go to this desk and try and get whatever they can to help out their friends and family who are in town. I managed after all of that to go practice again and then eventually head home.
The best part about the day was getting home to the apartment that I am renting in the Village, as most players do, with my doubles partner and friend, Sam Stosur. Sam, who is not only a pretty good player, is a really good cook!! She spent the day before marinating chicken and tonight we got to eat it... She calls it her chicken surprise! It's actually unbelievable, taught to her by her mum and dad. She did herself proud, as me, Dave her coach and friends chowed down on chicken marinated in lemon and oil and, well, it's a surprise, so I don't know what else, but thanks Sam.
Anyway, the tennis side of things was pretty good too, as the Centre Court was opened for the first time for play this year with a roof. Thankfully it wasn't needed as there was no rain, but out stepped Roger, who donned his Nike outfit of outfits. It's like being the best ever isn't enough anymore, he's got to look the part too! Got to give him credit, he knows how to pull it off. He just has this class about him that is unmistakable. If Nadal, the defending champion, couldn't do it after pulling out with injury, as that's the tradition here at Wimbledon, that the defending men's champion opens play on Centre the following year at 1pm on Monday, well there is no one more deserving to take his place than Roger. On the women's side Serena, Maria and the usual suspects managed to get through and then there was the "play is suspended due to darkness" on many courts that will now have to come back tomorrow and finish, Never an easy situation for anyone, but that's Wimbledon for you. Hey, you can't blame the rain at least!!
Okay, I am off to bed, so for now, enjoy your day and see you back here soon!
Rennae
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Sunday, June 21, 2009
Hi everyone! I haven't done a blog for a while, so I hope you enjoy it and I hope I can give you a small glimpse into the lives of us crazy tennis players and what it's like to be a part of this most special tournament we call Wimbledon.
Wimbledon is played at the All-England Club, or as the locals like to call it, SW19. A small lesson for those of you that don't know, that is the zip code or area code of the location of the grounds of The Championships of Wimbledon, it's in the south west area of London and the courts are just down the road from Wimbledon Village, a quaint little town where you'll find a lot of tennis players wandering around at night looking for a bite to eat. I always tell people, you want to see your favorite tennis players, spend a few days at the village, you're bound to bump into someone you know!
Today was the calm before the storm, Sunday before Wimbledon, the last day where players can have a mentally relaxed day before the tournament begins. Now keep in mind, players playing on Monday, well, they might be as relaxed knowing they play the following day, but it's still a non-competitive day, so not too many butterflies in the stomach yet, but come 24 hours from now, that will all change.
Me, well I spent the day being a "normal" person, I didn't hit a ball. I was playing in a lead-up tournament in Eastbourne till Saturday, so I decided to give myself a mental and physical day off before the madness begins. Sometimes, especially before a long event, it's good to give yourself time to get away and relax, so I spent the day wandering the streets and the park areas of the village with my best friend from childhood, who lives here in London, and her husband and two kids, one of which is my God child. I didn't even go to the courts! So as you can imagine, I loved my day.
Having said that, I will walk through the grounds of the All-England Club tomorrow and have a smile on my face, because to me, it is the most special sporting place in the world. It will be my 19th Wimbledon. I missed playing in 1997 with an injury but was still here, so for 20 years I have had the privilege of walking through those gates to play this most special event, and tomorrow will be another one of those days. I will check in, get my credential and head for practice courts and begin my 20th journey to hopefully a successful two weeks. Either way, I promise to have a few funny stories or a detail or two to pass your way over the coming days. Maybe even some predictions? Whatever it is for the day, I hope you come back and see.
So, stay tuned, good luck to all and let the matches begin!
P.S. Rafa you'll be missed!
Rennae
