One of the biggest perks of being the JL's Mixed Winners, is the opportunity to see games on Centre Court and Court 1 as well as visit the Players' Lounge and the Players Area at Aorangi Park. Seeing one of the big games on these courts is certainly something one will never forget. Seeing local hero Murray play today only emphasized this.
Experiencing players in their lounge, recouping after games or waiting the time out before they play, certainly gives you another take on your favourite player. Seeing them eating and socializing with other players or their families contributes to this.
Another benefit is seeing players warm up. Some joke around, other gets highly frustrated with their hitting partners and most let rip with some particular shots, produced by the freedom that practise-sessions brings.
Getting hold of tickets is sometimes one of the challenging aspects of one's week. Players get a certain amount of tickets each day to give to family and friends. But some days they don't use them and then they give them to other players who in turn give them to people they know. Today I broke my all-time record, getting 8 tickets for today's Murray-game on Centre Court.
But we all know its all about the photographs. Whether cornering them at Aorangi or stopping them on the steps near the lounge, this is the pictures one will return to in years to come. All in all, Wimbledon behind the scenes is certainly a rich and fun experience.
In terms of South Africans playing today, Jeff and his partner lost in five sets in the Men's Doubles. Jeff had a heartbraker today, again losing after dominating the match early on. The exact thing happened with them at the French Open. Wesley lost in the Mixed Doubles, losing the third set 9-11. Rik also lost in the Mixed, going down 1-6 in the third set. Channel Simmonds today went out in the Semi-Finals of the Bank of England Tournament.
Wesley still has to play his Second Round Match in the Men's Doubles (where they are seeded 9the) and Jeff his First Round Match in the Mixed Doubles.
Wimbledon is quickly picking up pace, everybody is settling in nicely and it will be interesting to see how the draw pans out. I am here till Tuesday before leaving for World Team Tennis in the US, where I will be coaching the Springfield Lasers. The JL's Mixed Kids are leaving on Saturday - one of them back to the US where he plays college tennis and the other three back to South Africa. Seeing the way they enjoyed this week and drew inspiration from it for their own careers only energizes me!
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