Shubert’s Barcelona Blog – Barcelona Open BancSabadell is alive and well…

Written by: Staff on 22nd April 2013

Shubert's Barcelona Blog - Barcelona Open BancSabadell is alive and well... |

The Barcelona Open BancSabadell is alive and well. Even on the final day of qualifying the grandstand was filled! I was hanging out in the clubhouse where everyone likes to sip a cafe or espresso and the players casually walk by from the locker rooms.

Tournament director Albert Costa glad hands many Spanish folk as his suit still molds to his French Open champion physique. Tommy Robredo epitomizes the high-styling Spanish hero with his suits and shirts on hangers, tennis bag in one hand, designer duffle bag in the other. I almost didn’t recognize the Casablanca champion…

People were gawking at the lone television set in the room as Novak Djokovic dominated action over their local hero Rafa Nadal in the Monte Carlo final. Children scampered to and fro, playing tag all over the site. The light blue BancSabadell hats that are given out at the tournament adorn many heads and all the men wearing them seem to be matching with dark suit jackets, collared shirts, and white or tan pants. The ladies are dressed more elegantly, scarves, silks, distinct touches here and there.

Lucky for me I met some friends (of friends) who are members to the club, grew up playing tennis, spent time in the USA, are currently studying at nearby colleges (journalism and graphic design), and work in the VIP village. They guaranteed me a ticket any time this week and I’ll quietly oblige them if I can!

It’s a totally different scene than the Indian Wells or Miami masters. The upscale Real Club de Tenis Barcelona is the at the peak or near it in terms of historic tennis clubs in Barcelona. Keep in mind there are hundreds of tennis clubs in and around this city so to be so lofty is quite the accomplishment. The intricate and manicured lawns, ancient wooden accents in and around the buildings, and the club’s symbol create a beautifully intimate setting where players and fans once again connect in close quarters. Don’t miss out on the action… All you’ll hear are balls exploding off a racket on the other side of a finely trimmed hedge before you realize Rafa Nadal is practicing ten feet away