Jergens Journal Fall 2016
We Have mostly arrived. We are spread out along the river. We like to get in early. Check out the changes on the site and get settled in. I like to arrive before the first ball is hit. Pancho, Frankie, Ricky and a “mystery man” all arrived a few days ago.
The boat rides up and down on the Thames River is very cool. We jump into various size boats and “river it” up to the o2 Arena. It’s fabulous. Sometimes we go on the water bus. And sometimes little speedboats.
We are staying at the Hotel Chelsea Harbour. It used to be named the Conrad at Chelsea Harbour. It also used to be “Geezer” and mine and “Big Boss” and Global Chicks favorite little quiet hotel in London during Wimbledon. It was great. A car ride could be as quick as 15 minutes and longest an hour.
Lots of players and friends were all there together. NBC. Hilton Hotel execs. Richard Krajicek stayed there often. He Won Wimby in 1996 staying there. Boris Becker and John McEnroe and Anna Kournikova back in the day. Lots of others. Mark Woodforde and Jennifer Capriati… even one of London’s top concierges came from there. FRASER RUSSELL from Head Concierge. We will see him this year at the tennis. He runs all the player VIP services. Great little spot. Really quiet. It Opened in 1990. Pancho and mine and Big Boss favorite year… One of Us was born and two were married. 1990 was also the year that Belarus became a country of its own!
As much fun as the various car rides were/are adventures to Queens Club or Wimbledon (right FRASER?)… Nothing is like taking the river ride. The time varies from around 35- 45 relaxing moving minutes. (key word…. MOVING…)
Tonite we had a great dinner with the Mirnyi family. We had a great time catching up. Yes, we were together in NYC and London and Paris and Indian Wells. But. There’s nothing on earth like being in the Final Eight (ATP Barclays Year End Tennis Championships) Nothing… The rare air is everywhere. The whole scene is surreal.
From the moment you realize your friends make the cut and you drop everything and off you go. It’s party time. Or at least mild celebrating. The players get those beautiful matching suits. (this year? Ted Baker?)
It’s hilarious more than half the guys are clueless as to how to tie a tie. Max has it down and so do the Bryan’s but just look at the rest of the guys. And usually someone in the lobby has already tried to help them. Not naming names but yes we have photos. It’s always a funny scene.
The format for this event is fabulous. The ticket prices are fair. We do hope it’s a sellout. It’s not located in the most convienant part of town. Kind of like where the Carson California stadium is… Far off most peeps regular routes. We love the arena. Don’t get us wrong. But it’s not well situated. It’s just not. Gotta run the boat is waiting. Tennis has a Super Bowl. It’s in London in November. And check out the television coverage. It’s fabulous coverage for a super format.
Topics: 02 Arena, ATP Finals, Bryan Bros, Hotel Chelsea Harbour, London, Lovey's Lob, Mirnyi family, Richard Krajicek, Sports, Tennis, Thames River, World Tour Finals