Australia’s floods. This will be a great Australian open. They always are. 2011 has begun in Queensland with mother natures fury. Worst floods in the countries history. Deadly snakes and crocodiles… It’s a bad situation. As always the tennis players step up and help out… Maybe it doesn’t seem like a big deal to give up a day to be part of an event like this but it is… Why? Ok. Read the great blogs 10sballs.com is blessed with posting from Sven Groeneveld. They are so insightful but in his typical positive fashion he paints a prettier picture of a day in the life of a pro player.
First off. Any player lucky enough to be in his program couldn’t understand how much of a load of tiny stressful details Sven and his assistant Mats Merkle provide. Mats by the way is the most dynamic young man in the tennis business for his age. We are blessed to have him in our sport. The team Adidas is an amazing undertaking…. On a daily basis at a slam with a number one player in the world like Caroline Wozniaki (number one seed), she has a ton of obligations. To her sponsors. To the event. To the events sponsors. Radio. Television. Interviews. She also has to try and squeeze in a practice or two. And time doing fitness. Time to eat… Rest… Doubtful…… Especially with “Rally for Relief” event thrown in too.
Meantime. Sven, Mats , Floris have to juggle training sessions. Get rackets strung to each players preference and weather always factors into the tension of the strings (how many pounds or kilos). When Sven says he booked a practice court. He might have to wait thirty minutes or more and bargain or trade out time ….they run… they drop off laundry (can take 30mins… coaches don’t always get those perks).
Sometimes they have to find Laundromats. Jet lag? There’s no time for that. Ever!
Thirty minutes ride to and from hotel. Melbourne weather can be four seasons in a day. Your bag better have lots of clothes. Ready for anything. Sven and Mats start before the sun is up. And put their heads down after every detail has been covered. Game plans. Scouting reports, players needs, re: gear. Practice hits. Mats logs so many hours on court it’s unreal. Five hours a day minimum. Everyone wants to hit with Mats. He hits the best balls. Whatever you want he will give you.
Sorana Cristea. Good luck kiddo. We love your game. Believe the guys!
Paul hanley. Wow. You’ve won Sydney three times. Three different partners! I’d say it’s your town. Well done mate… this is your year for a slam!
Shout outs and hellos and Happy Birthday dear Alix
Max Mirnyi. We wish you a successful happy slam.
Xavier Malisse. Get the patch on and let’s keep 2011 going strong! You’ve played some awesome tennis in the past few. Stay on course.
Hi to Bally.. Elena Baltacha .. And g’day to Alicia Molik. Hi Jordan Kerr .
And always the biggest hello down under to Wayne Arthurs…. and thanks for wearing patch and supporting the hottest new tennis site.
Chris Guccione give it a good try. You can play some big ball. And Pat Cash. We can’t tell you how happy we are to have you wearing a 10sballs.com patch. So bravo to our road warriors. The tennis. Players. Their support teams. As an Aussie would say good on you for planning RALLY FOR RELIEF!
Topics: Australian Open