I've followed tennis loosely since I was young just really Wimbledon and Queens.
However I'm much more interested now and went to the Friday of the last DC match last year, walkable from my house.
I stumbled upon the forum and have found it really useful for all things British tennis.
Off to travel to my first tournament today, the Barcelona Open just for tomorrow's play. Any suggestions you'd give to someone in my position would be appreciated.
Cheers
Hoping to see Jamie Murray in particular and looking forward to it all.
Cant really offer any advise on going to the event, ANewbie, but have a great day, I know one of the forum members, Bob in Spain, knows a lot about the event at Barca though and I am sure can offer some great tips!
And welcome to the forum, and tell us how the day goes, reports are always welcome here!
Welcome to the forum! Have you got a ticket for a specific court? As Jon said, Bob, who lives in Spain, is probably your best source of advice if he sees this thread in time. Other than that, just be prepared so you can survive a long day - obvious things like sunscreen (you can be really exposed, especially if you're on the sunny side of the court), something light to put on if it gets windy (it looks like you're going to get British springtime weather there tomorrow, cool but not cold, windy and perhaps the odd bit of rain), plenty of water to drink and food to keep you going, assuming you're allowed to take food and drink in from outside.
Have a great time tomorrow
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GB on a shirt, Davis Cup still gleaming, 79 years of hurt, never stopped us dreaming ... 29/11/2015 that dream came true!
Thanks very much. Yes I've got the equivalent of centre court tickets.
I'll be prepared for a long day, two 5 setters in the Davis Cup was a lot of tennis to take in for my first live matches. Certainly was value for money though!
Thanks very much. Yes I've got the equivalent of centre court tickets.
I'll be prepared for a long day, two 5 setters in the Davis Cup was a lot of tennis to take in for my first live matches. Certainly was value for money though!
Hi. As others have mentioned I have been to the Barcelona tournament a couple of times and viewing is really good. The main court probably has the least atmosphere in the early part of the week as it rarely fills up. But I really like the atmosphere on the two smaller courts. I saw Evo play on those two courts a couple of years back.
Can't really offer too much advice other than enjoy the occasion. Really wish I had been able to make it this year but circumstances didn't work out.
Hi Anewbie - in case youve not seen , the OOP is out for tomorrow. Two courts in action:
Court Rafa Nadal is:
Auger-Aliassime v Nishikori
Thiem v Munar
Nadal v Ferrer (Ferrer plays this event and Madrid and then retires so should be emotional match v Rafa, his friend and sort of rival)
Struff V Tsitsipas
Kubot/Melo v Lopez and Carreno Busta
Court Orantes
Medvedev v MacDonald
Dimitrov/Verdasco (Dimitrov a set up currently) v Jarry
Carballes Baena v Garin or Shapovalov
Carreno Busta or Paire (Paire a set up) v Pella
Jamie/Bruno v Rojer/Tecau
The Nadal court matches look like a rich set of some v good players, in singles, I would certainly try and watch all of those singles matches over the action on the other court, but then hop over to watch Jamie play doubles. Achieve that and you should get a great days play.
Arrived in time for Thiem v Munar starting. Always looked like Thiem was in control although Munar kept fighting away. After the early break in the 2nd I left for lunch as the result seemed inevitable.
Can see why Thiem is fancied for Roland Garrod that's for sure.
-- Edited by ANewbie on Thursday 25th of April 2019 03:47:43 PM
Nadal v Ferrer just finished now. Excellent match, nice to have a rain break to grab some more food.
Nadal pushed very hard throughout by Ferrer & I wonder if Nadal's body will hold up to 6 best of 5 set matches when the time comes.
Ferrer cheered off the court.
Brilliant atmosphere throughout the match.
-- Edited by ANewbie on Thursday 25th of April 2019 03:48:07 PM
good to hear and glad tennis is good; Nadal v Ferrer was 2 hours for 18 games, so a long haul as you say. Hope you get to see Jamie Murray doubles before you go