Had a very good day yesterday, unfortunately today was a bit crap. I got there at about half 10 but had I known I'd have got there a bit earlier because the British Tour started at 9. The rain started literally at 11 and although it was never very heavy there was constant dizzle until I had to leave at around 2 and they never managed to take the covers off. I found a couple of practice courts to watch for a bit; Ward was hitting with Desein, Pauffers with Dancevic and I think Ball and Ebden although I don't really know what either look like.
Barry and his entourage of 3 were interviewing a few of the higher profile players for a feature on Challengers they're going to show during either the DC or their coverage of Washington. Apparently they had already interviewed Boggo in the players lounge and 'another British player', although the guy didn't think it was Goodall, Ward or Slabba so god knows who they were talking to. I listened to their his interview with Taylor Dent and that was pretty much the most exciting thing that happened all day. I bought a day pass for the gym there and basically ran on the treadmill for an hour but it was still just persistent light rain. They had 5 indoor courts available but they were all being used for practice so I don't think they were going to play indoors
Re Directions it's pretty easy to get to as far as these places go. Coming from London I went straight up the M1, left at Junction 24 then on another A road for about 10 mins and once you get close there are quite a few signs for the tennis centre. Certainly easier finding than the Bournemouth club was which I literally just stumbled across driving up and down the back roads. It's interesting getting out of the club though, there is a barrier which no one seems to know the code for. About 6 cars were queueded up yesterday, including Keothavong and South's coaches since that was the last match. You can find it at reception, although its 2012 for anyone that's interested!
Shame there wasn't much tennis to talk about, I might write about yesterday's matches later.
Also thinking of going tomorrow, so will chip in with match reports, pictures etc if I do make it down there.
I'm not sure if there is much point in me texting in results as well - unless we all get co-ordinated and try and cover as many matches between us as possible! If anyone (Im assuming Sheddie) thinks it will be worthwhile though, PM your mob no. first thing in the morning.
Also, a little company would definitely not go amiss, so if anyone sees a 21yo male with brown hair probably wearing green combat(ty) pants walking around, looking as if he can't decide what match would be best to watch, say 'James!' towards me.
Oh, and I'm also bespectacled... and have 3 arms. Shouldn't be hard to spot me
-- Edited by James on Tuesday 1st of June 2010 11:46:33 PM