Australian Open Day 4: Dark Horses and Bronzed Bodies

Fans brave the sweltering sun during the Australian Openby Kait O'Callahan

We’re here to see Stephanie Dubois lose. It isn’t nice, but we’re still bitter about Vesnina. Angelique Kerber stands strong, her thighs rippling, her blonde hair twisted into a tight bun. It doesn’t take a world traveller to guess her nationality. Her team yell encouragement at her in harsh German and she responds just as loudly. Dubois plays more aggressively than in her first round, but the match is still on Kerber’s racket. She takes it in straights, not without a struggle. She screams, pumps her fist, and finally allows herself a smile.

I expect some pretty poor tennis when we head over to Marcel Granollers and Frederico Gil - they’re not exactly household names. But Gil surprises me. He hits a strong backhand and moves well. There’s a big crowd, which is credit to how busy the Open is today. Our seats are quickly taken when we move on.

The difference between Asian and Australian culture is as exposed by the Westerners’ bronzed bodies when we take to Court 8. The fans of Japanese player Tatsuma Ito cover their arms, legs, and faces as they shield themselves from the harsh sun. The rest of us slather on sunscreen and hope it won’t halt our tan. I know whose idea of beauty is safer. Ito is fighting hard, but cult favourite Nicolas Mahut is starting to pull ahead. He will eventually seal a place in the next round against Novak Djokovic.

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Australian Open Day 2: Broken Hearts and Tattered Flags

by Kait O'Callahan

Before I set off on my recap of day two, I’d like to share my ‘goal’ for the Open. My brother and I saw 46 live matches at the AO 2011. This year we plan to hit 50. We do not have to see matches in their entirety; nine games or one set is enough. Of course, if a match is good, we will see it out. This goal motivates us to see matches we would normally avoid, and spend less time watching TV. It is also a lot of fun. We started day two off on Show Court 3.

Sabine Lisicki’s abdominal strain is still an issue. Not only could she not buy a first serve in her opening match today, but her little known opponent, Stephanie Voegele, pushes her through three tight sets. Lisicki’s powerful game is streaky but far more dangerous than her opponent’s. She survives to reach the third round, but only just.

Like many other females, I have a soft spot for Ernests Gulbis.  The Latvian man with striking cheekbones and quick wit has captured the hearts of many worldwide, and then proceeded to break them all. It’s business as usual for Gulbis against Michael Llodra. Gulbis is battling the wind, the crowd, his game, and his opponent. Things get tense when Llodra complains repetitively about the time Gulbis is taking - Gulbis allows himself to get distracted, and never recovers. I busy myself in studying the watch on the woman in front of me - it’s a Rolex. An accreditation pass hangs around her neck, and I peer further to try and catch which career change might afford me a Rolex. Turns out she’s a tennis player’s mother. My eyes catch the sneakers of the girl sitting next to me.  It’s Shahar Peer, and she’s talking enthusiastically with her mother about something to do with Wozniacki, Jankovic, and Schiavone. Whatever the language is, at the moment I wish to understand it.

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Dancing With The Stars: Viktor Troicki

Things I never thought I would say:  Vik's got swagger.

Check it out!

Nadal Does Double Duty in Cincy

By JAMES HENRY
OnTheGoTennis

CINCINNATI – Rafael Nadal made his 2011 debut at the Western & Southern Open Tuesday, partnering with fellow Spaniard and friend Marc López in the doubles draw.

His first singles match is scheduled second Wednesday on the Cincinnati tennis tournament’s Center Court. He’ll face French qualifier Julien Benneteau, who led Guillermo García-López 6-3, 1-0 before the Spaniard retired with a right arm injury.

The star power of Nadal helped pack the new 4,000-seat Court 3 at the Lindner Family Tennis Center. He and López defeated Serbians Janko Tipsarević and Viktor Troicki, but only after splitting tiebreakers and then winning the super tiebreaker: 7-6 (4), 6-7 (2), 10-5.

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Quick Q & A with Viktor Troicki

Viktor Troicki took the OnTheGoTennis Quick Q&A yesterday at the Legg Mason Tennis Classic and was just an absolute blast to talk to.  Watch the video to see him giggle his way through Davis Cup stories, talk about the scariest countries to drive in, and share his love for house music.

You Looking At Me?

Whenever I go to tournaments I walk around the site with my HUGE camera lens to make an attempt to grab a couple of good photos.  For the most part, I think I do a good job, however sometimes I *might* get a little too paparazzo (yes, I just made up that word) and I get the "stink-eye."  I tend to wear it as a badge of honor. 

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