BREAKFAST AT QUEEN’S CLUB AND A QUICK TUBE RIDE TO TENNIS AT THE 02 ARENA BY FRANCISCO RESENDIZ

Written by: Resendiz on 16th November 2016

BREAKFAST AT QUEEN'S CLUB AND A QUICK TUBE RIDE TO TENNIS AT THE 02 ARENA BY FRANCISCO RESENDIZ |

Every tennis player eats differently; gluten free, high carbs, low carbs, mostly protein, vegetarian or just regular. The one thing for sure is that they consume about 3 to 4 times what a regular person eats at any meal. The morning was supposed to be spent sitting drinking coffee and eating fruit while looking onto the Thames. Then I get a text. A breakfast invitation to the Queens Club!

As I arrive at the Queens Club I can feel the exclusivity – for lack of more descriptive words. My friend greets me at the entrance. The place looks bigger and more elegant without the Aegon Championship scaffolding. We walk inside the members are very proper but everyone is friendly and as we walk by we get greeted. We sit in the terrace to enjoy the little bit of British sun. I decide to indulge with a croissant and a latte, now we are overlooking the grass courts and the brick buildings that surround the club. As i’m looking out I see a familiar face – it’s a tennis player that is currently competing at the ATP Championships. He finishes his practice and starts walking with his entourage towards the club house. The group spots us having breakfast and we start having a small chat. Before leaving he gives us his “Queens Club card” and tells us to use the money on it for breakfast. (Apparently all the players can use the Queens Club as practice in lieu of the practice courts at the O2 arena)

We now realize it is time for the tennis. We leave the glamour of the Queens Club, decide to take the “tube” heading to the O2 arena. Two trains and 20 minutes later we arrive. We run up the escalator, which this year has the Lacoste signage and after three security checks we made it to our assigned seats.

The Murray vs Nishikori match was starting. The British crowd was of course cheering for Andy. Both Nishikori and Andy were playing a great first set. They end the first set in a tie break where Nishikori wins. The British media was getting increasingly frustrated. They couldn’t understand what was going on. Andy was the favorite to win.

The second set begins Andy breaks after his 3rd ace and finally you can start hearing the British excitement pick-up once more. Nishikori tried very hard to make Andy Murray run returning wide and using the entire court. Yet, Andy was able to maintain focus, return well and serve strong – totaling 8 aces for the match. After 3 hours and 20 minutes Murray wins….