2016 MUTUA MADRID OPEN TENNIS AJA REPORTS FROM BEHIND THE SCENES FOR 10SBALLS

Written by: Staff on 6th May 2016

2016 MUTUA MADRID OPEN TENNIS AJA REPORTS FROM BEHIND THE SCENES FOR 10SBALLS |

Photo by AJA for 10sBalls.

Below Caja Magica’s stadium, the tennis tournament’s heartbeat is pulsing. Frenzied media writers and photographers scurry the halls. Volunteers dash about to deliver documents and accommodate press requests. Cherub-faced, Spanish youth stammer broken English, jam elevator buttons, and hope they arrive at the correct floor for the patrons.

Tournament floors Level Minus 1 and Level Minus 2 are only slightly confusing (negative level floors?), but the greater challenge is properly managing, organizing, and executing a steady flow of interactions between volunteers, media/photographers from around the globe covering stories, and a multitude of tournament staff who collaborate, amidst the endless press conferences and interviews.

Meet Noemi Monge. Like a welcoming lighthouse in the midst of chaotic seas, Noemi calms the tournament atmosphere with her ever-steady presence and a let’s-all-just-enjoy-this-adventure-called-life grin that reminds each of us to breathe a little deeper and laugh a little bit more today.

Noemi works as the Communication Lead at the welcome desk (Level Negative 2) to maintain the system behind the scenes and make MMO tournament magic possible for all of us. Volunteers of the tournament rely on her for guidance, direction, and focus. Photographers and media writers request her ongoing assistance with a variety of tournament-related duties.

Noemi’s secret to keeping everyone happy? Chocolate! She giggles and says, “It may sound childish or silly, but everyone smiles when you offer them chocolate.” (It is well known throughout the army of volunteer and media staff that Noemi provides a healthy stash of chocolates behind the welcome desk at Level -1). “We share with everybody.”

Photo by AJA for 10sBalls.

Madrid is a special tournament to Noemi. As a native to Madrid, she takes pride in sharing the gems of the city of her origins.

Noemi’s eyes sparkle as she explains why she returns to MMO each year (since 2013) “I love meeting people from all around the world.” She enjoys listening to tales of journeys from global travelers and strives to expand her knowledge with every interaction. “I am a very curious person and always wanting to expand my knowledge about people and about the history of a culture or group of people.”

Noemi’s interest in communication and tournament management started at age 9. She saw the Barcelona Olympics on television in 1992 and wished to contribute to the achievement of athletic greatness. She made a promise aloud to someday work at the Olympics. Through hard work as a volunteer for over 8 years, Noemi manifested her first career dream at the 2012 London Olympic games.

With a shy smile, she giggles, “Yes! I made it to the Olympics!”

Noemi’s warmth and enthusiasm for life matches her intelligence. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Journalism and Master’s degree in Communication, Event Management & Protocol, and continues onward to pursue her next Master’s degree in Marketing/Digital Communication. Currently, she lives in London and works at Yahoo as the (Spanish) front-page sports editor. She approaches her future, receptive to new opportunities, to fresh adventures, and to learning.

Photo by AJA for 10sBalls.

Curious and eager to expand her knowledge with every new experience, she hopes to return again next year and continue to shine her light at the tournament. Above all else, Noemi’s goal at the Mutua Madrid Open is maintaining a peaceful and welcoming atmosphere for all. “I want everybody to feel at home here in Madrid.”

Thank you for your luminescence, Noemi. Light the way.

Topics: 10sballs, 2016 Mutua Madrid Open, Caja Magica, Clay tennis, Tennis News