A near capacity crowd braved the torrential Glasgow rain and horrendous traffic on Friday to fill the Braehead Arena for Britain's Davis Cup clash with Serbia and Montenegro.
And with local hero Andy Murray missing the opening day due to illness, the audience could have been excused for feeling a little flat.
But most appeared determined to enjoy just the second-ever Davis Cup tie to be held in Scotland.
The Union Jacks were flapping harder than a few limp Scottish saltires and the very well-heeled crowd even let themselves get a little rowdy.
With Robbie Williams' 'Let Me Entertain You' blaring out, the noise was deafening as Greg Rusedski took to the court for the opening singles match with Janko Tipsarevic.
And with the Brit making a positive start, wrapping up the first set in less than half and hour, you could almost forget that Murray wasn't involved.
Almost...
"We've never been to a tennis tournament before but we've just started playing and thought it would be good to see the stars up close and, hopefully, pick up a few pointers - because we need them!
"It's a little disappointing that Andy Murray's not playing but we're coming back on Saturday and Sunday, so we'll get to see him then." Brian Quigley & Ian Begbie (Glasgow)
"I've been to Wimbledon a few times but never a Davis Cup tie. I'm a big fan and decided to make the drive up to Glasgow. I'm just here to enjoy the tennis and get behind the British players. Susan Clark (Carlisle)
"It's a big event and it's almost on my doorstep so I had to get tickets. I'm not really a huge tennis fan and I've never been to a tournament before but it's important to support events like these when they come to Scotland." Christian Miller (Edinburgh)
"I'm from Dunblane, like Andy Murray, so I think it's great what he's done in such a short space of time. I saw him at Wimbledon and at the Aberdeen Cup last year. I'm coming back to cheer him on tomorrow. I work in the sports department at Aberdeen University and I'm a big tennis fan. Murray's rise is good news for tennis and Scotland." Ian Graham (Dunblane)
"This is my first tennis tournament. I got the tickets as a Christmas present and it's disappointing that Andy Murray isn't playing. The traffic was terrible and my sister is late, so it's not been a great start to the day." Claire Kirker (Glasgow)
"I was at the Davis Cup the last time it was in Scotland, in Edinburgh (1970), so I'm showing my age. I love tennis but I'm a little disappointed not to be seeing Andy Murray since I won't be coming back on Saturday or Sunday." Margaret MacDonald (Edinburgh)
"I've been to Wimbledon a few times and I've seen the Scottish Championship at Craiglockhart. I play a lot of tennis and it's always great to see the action up close. I'm not all that fussed about not seeing Andy Murray. I'm not his biggest fan, to be honest. He's a little too aggressive at times for my taste." David Reid (Glasgow)
I was there and what I noticed was a few too many empty seats...and not just those temporarily empty as people went for some food. We were told it was a sell-out so where were these people?
Were the spaces down to the LTA's snaffling of briefs that the suit and tie brigade didn't use?
Were they down to some of my fellow Scots who didn't bother to show as Andy wasn't playing?
Was it a definite sell-out ? I know the original tickets sold out, but also that an additional 400 tickets for each day went on sale a week or so ago. I would have expected it was.
If so, I suspect the reason is probably Andy not playing, and I know you yourself indicated previously that if Andy didn't appear you thought people would be put off.
If that is the case, it is very disappointing, given I am sure that there was still real quality Davis Cup tennis on show.
I very much was hoping that Andy would make it, but in my opinion from all I have read, a sensible decision was made.
There does seem to have been some medical opinion that he shouldn't play at all in the match, that with such a fever by coming back too soon, he risked having a setback and being out for many weeks afterwards. However, given he was feeling much better from his fever ( the ankle was apparently fine ), I think it was a sensible option to have one extra day, start with the doubles and be ready to play the final singles if necessary.
Unfortunately, If they win the doubles and Greg then beats Djokovic on Sunday ( I have my doubts ), there must be a chance that Andy won't play Sunday's singles.
I suspect if the medics are TOTALLY satisfied all is well, he'll give it a go, otherwise I think he'll only take a risk if it's standing 2-2.
I think that's fair. In spite of probably not expressing himself well immediately after Miami, all the indications I have heard in the last week or so is that he really wanted to play if he could.
Howver, it iwould be silly to take unnecessary risks with his ongoing health. I think the decision not to play on Friday was good for Andy's health and probably a good tactical call as well, although we did very much need that Greg victory. I think we'll get the best out of Andy saving him for Saturday's doubles and possibly Sunday.
As I said, it is very disappointing if some people didn't turn up because Andy wasn't playing. I am sure that most people were understanding of the circumstances and I would hope that all these that did attend had an enjoyable afternoon's tennis.
Well, we were continually told it was a sell-out. The 400 tickets released latterly for sale were "reserved" for, I believe, visiting fans. When it was clear we were playing Serbia rather than Israel, PANIC! Get them on sale and get the money in quick. Again, it is my understanding these sold out for today but some are deffo on sale for tomorrow (they announced it at the end).
Andy played on court for a bit after today's play and looked to be moving a-okay. I guess it just depends on how debilitated he is after the infection. I'm sure he'll play tomorrow. If we win the doubles, we have a chance (if Greg can win on Sunday). If not, we're screwed. I really don't believe Andy could last a 5 set singles. Arvind Palmer? No chance!
I was watching on the telly and was pretty annoyed by the empty seats as well. having been told that it was sold out I thought that would be the case, i guess it was those 400 seats released a week or so ago but there we are. I don't think many people would have not turned up just because Andy wasn't playing as the tickets weren't cheap enough for that!
By the way Dashers, I hope you had a great day out, are you going back at all this weekend?
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To look at a thing is quite different from seeing a thing and one does not see anything until one sees its beauty
Yeah. Going back both days. Glad it's alive for day 3! In fact day 3 might be the best of all so, ya-boo-sucks to all those people who slagged me off for buying tickets for the "dead-rubber" day!!!
